^9 










ftti&^Eiwfiii 




J. K. POWERS. 



AU)S 2d ;n. 



HISTORY OF 

THE ALAMO 

AND OF THE LOCAL 

Franciscan Missions 

— BY 

HENRY RYDER-TAYLOR 

(For twenty -four years with the 
San Antonio Daily Light and two 
years with the Two Republics, 
City of Mexico.) 



AssUled by 

CHAS. H. STANFORD 



PUBLISHED BY 

NIC Tekgg 

BOOKSELLER and STATIONER 

COMMERCIAL PRINTING 
220 W. COMMERCE ST., SaN ANTONIO, TEXAS 

(COPTRIGHT APPLIED FOh) 



DEDICATION, 



TO THE 

Daughters of the Republic of Texas. 



This Volume is respecflfully dedicated 
. . . in commendation of . . . 



THEIR PATRIOTIC EFFORTS 

TO HONOR THE 

ILLUSTRIOUS HEROES 

WHO FOUNDED AND CREATED 
THE LONE STAR STATE. 



TEXAN HISTORIC NOTES 



Showing how Texas was 
colonized by Americans, 
the causes that lead the 
colonics to rel^el again^ 
Mexico and how they 
gained their independence. 



BY 

HENRY RYDER-TAYLOR 



Texan Hi^oric Notes. 



As this little book will be read with interest by many 
visitors, and will probably be preserved as a sou- 
venir, the author has thought it desirable that 
a brief synopsis of Texan history should be presented in- 
asmuch as those facts give a keynote to the many won- 
drous events that adorn the records of the Lone Star State. 
In this article he presents only those facts that are attested 
to by unquestioned authorities. There has been ''nothing 
extenuated nor aught set down in malice. " 

DISCOVERY OF TEXAS. 

The discovery of Texas has been disputed. It is claimed 
by both Spain and France, but it would seem more proba- 
ble that Spain should findterritoryadjoiningher own, even 
though separated by the Rio Grande, which is often forda- 
ble, and by the sea. It is a matter of legend that Pinda 
visited even Galveston in 1519, but we have as a fact that 
in 1582 Espijo crossed the Rio Grande and founded mis- 
sions at El Paso and at Santa Fe. This establishes Spain's 
claim as "the discoverer of Texas. " 

LA SALIvE'S EXPEDITION. 

France based her claim to the discovery of Texas on the 
fact that an adventurous French knight, Robert, cavalier 
de la Salle, in seeking the source of the Mississippi was ac- 
cidentally thrown into the bay of Matagorda, sailed 
through Pass Cavello, entered the bay of St. Bernard and 
camped upon the coast. He then took possession of it in 
the name of his sovereign, Louis XIV. 



But that was in February, 1665, or nearly one hundred 
years after Espijo had founded his mission in Texas. 

The French were enchanted with the beautiful scenery, 
the delightful cHmate and the merry, feathered songsters 
that thronged the trees and made the air, perfumed by 
many flowers, most musical. Moreover they found here 
abundance of game, fish and other necessities, and, above 
all, spring waters of crystaline purity. 

But in Texas there is no rose or good thing without a 
thorn, real or figuratively, and so the French found it. The 
Indians resented their invasion and were troublesome, and 
there was some sickness incidental to climatic changes^ 
Ammutionran short and there was dissention in camp. The 
party then decided to go to Lavacca and there built a fort 
which was called Fort St. Louis, in honor of the French 
king, Louis XIV. The fort was built for a protection from 
Indians. 

For a time all went well and prosperity reigned, but La 
Salle and some of his companions were anxious to continue 
the pursuit of the source of the Mississippi, and left. Sub- 
sequent history shows that La Salle prosecuted his mission 
faithfully, but he was assassinated by one of his own men 
and his labors thus ended. 

La Salle's personality and force had a good influence on 
the Indians. When he left and the garrison was weakened 
the Indians attacked Fort St. Louis, captured it and killed 
or captured its inhabitants, holding the latter as prisoners. 

SPANISH RESISTANCE. 

News travelled slowly in those days, and especially at 
such a distance, but at length the Spanish Government 
heard of ^'the French invasion." Recognizing and claim- 
ing Texas as Spanish territory, it was determined to attack 
the French and oust them from the state. For this purpose 

8 



one hundred expert soldiers were selected and they pro- 
ceeded to Fort St. Louis. On arrival there it was completely 
evacuated. The story of its capture by Indians was told 
and two of La Salle's men were found among Indians. 

SAN ANTONIO FOUNDED 1689. 

This incident had a remarkable bearing upon the history 
of San Antonio. Don Alonzo de Leon, governor of Coahui- 
la, was in charge of the expedition against La Salle and, 
having filled his mission, decided to go farther into the 
interior of the country to investigate. In so doing he came 
upon w^hat we know as San Antonio, which was then peo- 
pled by the Nassonites, who came from Mexico on their 
defeat by the Aztecs and had settled there. These Indi- 
ans were called by the Spaniards Sanez Payez y Vanos. 
De Leon was received with the cries of "Tejas! Tejas!'* 
which he understood to be a welcome. That was in 1689. 
He was so delighted with the place and its utility that he 
established a mission here and placed Fra Damien in 
charge, calling the mission as "San Francisco de Tejas" 
(St. Francis of Texas). 

Governor Domingo de Teran succeeded De Leon, and, it 
is said, became interested in Texas. He visited the mission 
and gave it his approval but changed its n^me to "San 
Francisco de la Espada' ' (St. Francis of the Sword). This 
it is stated was owing to the sword like shape of the bell tow- 
er. The site of this mission is said to have been near the 
modern Mission de la Espada, if not actually on it, as some 
suppose. 

For some reason, never explained, the mission work was 
abandoned in 1693 until early in the eighteenth century. 
These missions, it should be remembered, not only took 
the place of a church but, being strongly built, with thick 

9 



walls of adobe or stone, they afforded protection from ma- 
rauding, hostile Indians and for those days were good forts. 

FRANCS AND SPAIN CONTESTS. 

For a long time the Spanish government ignored Texas, 
and might longer have been apathetic but for the fact that 
the king of France granted the whole of Louisiana to one 
Crozat and this included Texas, of which France still 
claimed sovereignty. By Crozat's advice, another French 
adventurer, St. Denis, was sent to Texas and Mexico with 
twelve followers, ostensibly on a trading expedition. They 
got to Presidio and were there arrested on the order of 
Governor Anaya, of Coahuila, and all were imprisoned. 
It is recorded that St. Denis escaped but nothing more 
was heard from his companions. When we hear that St. 
Denis soon after married the governor's daughter we are 
not mystified as to his escape. St. Denis has the credit of 
doing one good thing, that is laying out the road from the 
San Antonio to Presidio on the Rio Grande. 

The Spanish government began to wake up and to real- 
ize that to hold Texas she must protect it. Then came 
activity, a desire to found colonies, establish missions, to 
care for the people and secure support. In accordance with 
its mission poHcy the missions of San Fernando de Bexar 
(San Antonio), La Bahia (GoHad), Nacogdoches and Vic- 
toria were established. 

Immigration was cared for because the results of immi- 
gration had been unsatisfactory and in twenty-five years 
only fifteen hundred people could be enlisted in the Texan 
ranks. 

In 1 716 St. Denis made another trade raid for Crozat to 
the Rio Grande. He was defrauded of his goods, thrown 
into prison and was glad to escape with his wife to Mobile. 

The company of the Indians secured Crozat 's rights. 

10 



There was war between France and Spain and it got St. 
Denis and another French adventurer, La Harpe, to organ- 
ize a troop and invade Texas. They advanced near San 
Antonio where they met the Mexicans, 500 strong, under 
the Governor, the Marquis de Aguayo. St. Denis retreated 
to the Sabine and went home. La Harpe found shelter with 
friendly Indians. 

The company then sent an expedition under M- de 
Belisle to found a colony at Matagorda bay. He failed and 
returned. Belisle made a second attempt accompanied by 
La Harpe, and also failed. 

St. Denis made a last attempt on the pretext that In- 
dians were rising to exterminate the whites, and he invaded 
the Natchez territory, subduing it. He remained in tri- 
umphant possession for some time and then Governor 
Bustillos went on an inspection and caught up with the 
adventurers and they fled, and no longer were a factor in 
Texan history. 

As all these acts were based upon the French claim to 
Texas we have placed them in consecutive line and got 
rather ahead of our story. The question of the rights of 
Spain and France was settled in 1762 by France ceeding 
all her Louisiana possessions to Spain, but in 1800 Spain 
again transferred Louisiana to France, who in 1804 sold 
them to the United States. This controversy was settled 
except that many are of an opinion that Texas was and 
should have been included in the Louisiana purchase. 

We must now return to Texas history and briefly unfold 
its story. 

COMMERCIAL INVASION. 

Commerce in the i8th century opened, as it ever has 
done, as a missionary of civilization. The French settlers 
at Natchez began to trade in Texas through Nacogdoches 

11 



and the trade extended. Then reports began to be circu." 
lated of the salubrious climate, the greatness of the re- 
sources, the plentitude of fish and game and of the El Do- 
rado that Texas presented. Anticipating a rich harvest, 
many leading mrn of Louisiana settled in Nacogdoches 
and others followed. Nacogdoches soon rose from a little 
mission station to an important town, having an arsenal, 
barracks and substantial buildings. It was long regarded 
as a hot bed of conspirators against the domination of 
Spain. 

• COLONIZING TEXAS. 

For many years Mexico had ignored Texas but the 
French incursions into Texas incited action in Spain and 
the Viceroy in Mexico to resist the efforts. Then early in 
the 1 8th century the government began the erection of 
missions, for the education and protection of the people, 
and to create presidios and garrison them. Thus the 
missions in or near San Antonio were erected. This village 
was named San Fernando de Bexar and in 1718 it was ev- 
idently a military post, for De Alarconne operated from 
that point. In 1730 a presidio was erected where San An- 
tonio now is, and it was named Bexar in honor of the Duke 
of Bexar, then the Spanish Viceroy in Mexico. Missions 
or precidios were also established at La Bahia (Goliad) 
Nacogdoches and Victoria. 

The population consisted then mainly of two classes of 
Indians— the Indios reducidos, those domesticated and 
submitting to the government, and the Indios bravos, who 
were those in a savage, independent state. No real progress 
was made nor was it probable under those conditions. 

CANARY ISLAND COLONY, 

The Spanish government in a wise view began to lay 
plans for the settlement of the state and 011 the recom- 

12 



mendation of the Marquis Casa Fuertes sent sixteen famil- 
ies from the Canary Islands. 

These settled in San Antonio and were granted lands on 
the Plaza de los Islas, now known as Main Plaza, and they 
prospered well. These were the original white civil settlers 
and progenitors of the leading Spanish citizens. Some em- 
igration came from Mexico, official and otherwise, but little 
progress was made and in 25 years the population of Texas 
was only six thousand^, excluding the many Indians. 

AMERICAN INVASION. 

Then Texas had a series of American invasions by 
adventurers and free hooters who claimed that Texas be- 
longed to Louisiana, and made an attempt to wrest it from 
Spain. The first was the Nolan expedition, headed by 
Philip Nolan, Ellis Bean and consisting of 18 men. They 
left Natchez in 1800 on the pretext of hunting wild horses. 
The Spanish viceroy did not believe the story and ordered 
arrest of the party, but the arrest was avoided by its en- 
tering Texas at an unexpected point. It, however, was 
met by Lieutenant Musquiz and 100 Mexican soldiers, sent 
from the Bexar presidio. The Nolan party resisted arrest 
and a fight ensued. Nolan fell at the first fusilade and 
then the party surrendered, on condition of being sent 
back on parole to the United States. The members were, 
however, put in chains and ^ent, via Bexar, to the Rio 
Grande, and thence to the City of Mexico. As far as can 
be learned Bean was the only one that returned home. 

There were other minor expeditions of a like character, 
equally unsuccessful, and then Governor Cordero, Manuel 
Salcedo and Simon de Herrera began to take steps for the 
better protection of the state. Cordero put a good garri- 
son at Bexar; Salcedo well garrisoned La Bahia and Her- 
rera crossed and occupied the old fort of x\daes. The 

13 



latter act gave offense to the United States and war was 
threatened but it was averted by declaring a small strip 
of land between the Sabine and the Bayou, called the Ar- 
royo Hondo, should be declared neutral territory and not 
occupied by any one until the boundary line was decided. 
In 1 812 this neutral zone was the resort of bandits, free 
booters and refugees from justice, and the United States 
was frequently called upon to protect merchants' caravans. 
Lieut. Magee was often called on for such duty and met 
Bernardo Guiterez, a Mexican who had been associated 
with the famous Hidalgo in the Mexican revolutionary 
movement, and then came the project to unite these in- 
habitants of the zone into an army, invade Texas, conquer 
it and make it a free and independent state. The army 
was so organized and numbered three hundred men. It 
was styled as the Republican Army of the North. In the 
conflict this army was known as "Republicans" and the 
Mexicans as Royalists. The army marched on to La Bahia, 
entered that Fort in September and in November were at- 
tacked by Governor Salcedo and General Herrera, of Bexar. 
They failed to capture the fort and then tried to starve 
out the garrison. This too failed, the siege was raised and 
Salcedo and soldiers returned to Bexar. Magee died next 
day and Kempner was elected to the supreme command. 
The success of the Republicans got abroad and 125 Amer- 
icans and 25 Coshattie Indians joined the Republicans 
coming from Nacogdoches. The march on to San Antonio 
was then begun. At the Salado they were re-inforced by 
three hundred Lipan and Tonkawa Indians, and then had 
an army of about 1,400 men. 

REVOLUTIONIST CAPTURE BEXAR. 

On the arrival of the Republicans at Rosillo, about nine 
miles from Bexar, Salcedo, who had been re-inforced, at- 

14 



tacked them and was defeated, he and many of his officers 
being made prisoners. The Republicans then marched 
into Bexar and took possession of it. 

MEXICAN JUNTA. 

Guiterez organized a junta or governing body. Among 
these was an officer named Delgado. His father had been 
associated with Hidalgo in the Mexican revolution, and 
when it failed, he fled to Bexar. Here he was arrested, 
sentenced to death, decapitated and his head placed on a 
pole. This was done by Salcedo's orders, and the younger 
Delgado, thirsted for a bloody revenge, in which it is said 
Guiterez concurred. They knew that the Americans would 
never consent to the violation of the capitulation, for the 
prisoners had surrendered as prisoners of war. On the 
pretext of taking the prisoners to New Orleans for better 
keeping, they were kept chained with a guard in command 
of Delgado. When a little way from the presidio the guards, 
at a pre-concerted signal, attacked the prisoners and de- 
capitated them. Among the prisoners so massacred were 
Governor Salcedo, General Simon de Herrera, his brother, 
Col. Geronimo Herrera, Ex Governor Cordera and ten 
officers. 

This crime incensed the Americans and created dissen- 
tion. Kempner, Hall, Ross and others abandoned the 
army, and Perry was elected commander. The army be- 
came disorganized and indulged in vicous pleasures that 
boded no good. 

A month later another Spanish army of 3,000 men ap- 
proached, under command of General Elisondo. He could 
have taken the city by surprise but he deferred, making 
elaborate preparation for the attack. This gave the Re- 
publicans time to organize. Perry rallied the Americans 
and Guiterez and Manchaca secured considerable Mexican 

15 



aid. Then they rushed on the Royalists in a most impet- 
uous way. The fight was long and stubborn but the 
Republicans gained the victory, and the Royalists fled to 
the Rio Grande, leaving a thousand soldiers on the field 
either dead or wounded, 

MEXICANS IN COMMAND. 

Guiterez then returned to his home on the Sabine and 
Perry ceased to command. Then came a Spanish exile, 
Don Juan Alvarez Toledo, who was elected commander. 
Being assured the royalists would return he organized for 
the defense, estabHshed a junta, formed a city police and 
restored the civil law. His administration was wise, just 
and judicious. 

General Arredondo, commander of the eastern internal 
provinces, determined on an attempt to recapture Bexar. 
He organized an army of 4,000 men and was re-inforced 
by Elisondo and the remnant of his army. The general 
then marched his men to the Medina, erected breast works 
in a V shape, opening towards the city and waited. 

Although all that could be done had been done the 
republicans were not in form to meet such an overwhelm- 
ing force. There were dissentions too. Toledo was a 
Gachapin, a class not liked by many soldiers who wanted 
Manchaca to lead them and obeyed Toledo with open 
reluctance. There was an absence of discipline that 
was disastrous. 

Instead of waiting Arredondo's attack, in which Toledo 
would have had the advantage, the republican comman- 
der began the attack. It was a fatal mistake. Soon the 
republicans were drawn into the jaws of the royalist 
breastwork, ambushed and many were killed. The Repub- 
licans rallied and might possibly have won the victory 
but some Mexicans deserted and gave Arredondo impor- 

16 



tant information. Knowing they were betrayed and over- 
whelmed by force the RepubHcans became demorahzed 
and their relentless foe cut them down with terrific slaugh- 
ter and Arredondo and his men marched as victors 
into Bexar, Elisondu, smarting under his recent defeat, 
pursued fleeing RepubHcans and killed them. At Spanish 
Bluff he captured eighty and butchered them in revenge 

SPANISH VENGEAMCE. 

Arredondo began his administration in a most cruel way 
He placed the presidio and village under miHtary law and 
had many imprisoned without trial. Some were executed, 
but others, after a term of imprisonment, were permitted 
to go free. He caused three hundred citizens to be placed 
in a room one sultry August night and eighteen of them 
suffocated. The women were also severely and shame- 
fully punished. Five hundred women, including delicate 
ladies, were confined in prison 'La Quinta' ' and for four 
months, they were compelled' daily to convert twenty- 
four bushels of corn into tortillas — a cake used as a substi- 
tute for bread — for Arredondo's soldiers. EHsondo re- 
turned from the Trinity driving before him widows and fa- 
therless of those he had slain. Arredondo had gathered 
up and buried all that remained of Salcedo and his staff, 
avenging their murders. 

Arredondo governed with severity and was especially 
rough on Americans, whom he openly detested, and Ameri- 
cans could not leave without danger of being shot. 

In time Arredondo had to leave for his headquarters 
Monterey, Mexico, and was succeeded by several governors, 
who were equally consistent in their hatred of Americans 
but in time a better sense of justice and humanity prevail- 
ed. 

17 



long's expedition. 

Another ill-starred American invasion occurred in 1819. 
It was that of Dr. James Long, which started from Natchez 
June 17. General Arredondo sent Col. Perez and a force 
of Mexicans to expel the invaders. The opposing forces 
met. Dave Long, the leader's brother, and many others 
were killed. Dr. Long and a few companions escaped 
Later Dr. Long made a second invasion and attempted to 
capture La Bahia. He met a superior force, was defeated 
taken prisoner and conveyed to the City of Mexico. For- 
tunately for him the government was then in the hands of 
Republicans and he secured his freedom, but before he could 
return home he was assassinated. 

This was the last American military attempt to capture 
Texas excepting that of the Texas colonists and during 
the Civil War. 

MOSES Austin's colony. 

It was designed that Texas should be conquered by 
American colonization, even though bloodshed must follow. 

Moses Austin, a native of Connecticut, but then of Mis- 
issippi, had heard much of Texas, its climate, its riches 
and had decided to go there and arrange for the settle- 
ment of a colony in that state. He went to San Antonio 
de Bexar in 1820, to see Governor Antonio Martinez. The 
governor had no love for Americans, peremptorilly declined 
the request and threatened imprisonment if Austin did not 
at once leave the State. Austin was prepared to do so, but 
fortunately on the way from the Palacio he encountered 
Baron Bastrop, with whom he was acquainted and who 
was a close friend to the Governor. Austin told his mis- 
sion and its result and then the Baron promised to aid him 
The Baron saw Governor Martinez, placed Austin's 
project in such a favorable light that the governor promis- 

18 



ed to use all efforts to get the desired permit. In due time 
the permit was granted and Austin returned home, giving 
notice that all those v/ho decided to join the colony should 
meet him at Natchez at the end of May 182 1. By that 
time he was taken ill and died June 10. Like his name- 
sake, the illustrious Jewish leader, he was permitted to 
see the promised land, but could never occupy it. 

STEPHEN AUSTIN SUCCEEDS. 

His son, Stephen F. Austin, decided to continue the good 
work of his father, and having been duly recognized by the 
government, took charge of the colonists and they arrived 
at Brazos river, on Dec. 21, 182 1, and came to Austin creek 
(near Brenham) on New Year's day 1822. Here they ex- 
ploited the county, laid out San Felipe and the colonists be- 
gan to find settlements. 

Austin failed to receive official confirmation and as- 
sistance that were promised and to secure this he went on 
horseback to the City of Mexico — 1200 miles distance — 
beset with manifold dangers. He arrived safely and then, 
owing to political revolutions and eruptions, common in 
those days, it was a year before he got the necessary papers. 

After this every thing went on smoothly. The colonists 
settled down and the government showed every desire to 
aid them. Austin was made chief judge and Baron Bas- 
trop was appointed commissioner to issue land titles and 
this was done as fast as surveys could be made. 

LIBERAL PROVISIONS. 

Legislation was also favorable. Texas and Coahuila 
were made one of the federated, independent states. 
Mexico and Texas was entitled to two representatives 
and state headquarters were in Bexar and easy of access. 

The Colonization law of Yturbide and national laws of 
1824 guaranteed foreigners protection to life and pro- 

19 



perty. Ten coast leagues on the borders of the United 
States were reserved for location. Every family was al- 
lowed one league of land (4428 acres) for grazing and one 
labor (177 acres) for cultivation. Single men were al- 
lowed one-third league to be increased to a league on mar- 
riage. If any erected mills or made improvements of pu- 
bHc utility they were entitled to a handsome subsidy 
Merchants and mechanics were granted town lots for stores 
and lots for residences and gardens. Empressarios who 
introduced one hundred families were entitled to five lea- 
gues and five labors for each one hundred, but they could 
not hold more than eleven leagues and eleven labors 
in their own right. If they earned more, they got them, 
but must sell them promptly to the best advantage. 

The law of 1828 added to this liberally. Under it, the 
colonists were permitted to import all family supplies and 
impliments free of duty and there was exemption from 
taxation for six years, justice was fairly administered and 
a system of education was promised . 

If this plan has been faithfully carried out there would 
have been no trouble between the colonists and the govern- 
ment and if the law of 1824 had been enforced the 
colonists would have been satisfied. It was the breach 
of faith, tyranny and oppression that caused the trouble 
which followed it. 

AMERICAN COLONY INCREASES. 

The fame of Texas had gone abroad and Austin had sup- 
plied the leading papers with authoritative data, which 
excited interest and drew more immigrants. 

Settlements sprang up in all directions and in addition 
to Austin's colonies, there was those of Hay den Edwards, 
which caused the Fedonian war and his expulsion. There 

20 



were also concessions to many others, who brought immi- 
grants to Texas. 

There were rough times in those'days. The men as a 
rule wore buckskins and the women such things as they 
could make. All worked, and worked hard, man wife and 
children and many gladly suffered privation, cheered by 
the glorious prospect of ultimate prosperity. 

In addition to colonists, many adventurous individual 
arrived to seek fortunes for convenience. While some of 
these were good citizens there were desperate men, exiles, 
fugitives from justice, bankrupts, speculators and defeated 
politicians. The worst class, however, as a rule, became 
industrious and all were self reliant and courageous. 

MEXICAN OPPRESSION. 

There was a natural antipathy between the Mexicans 
and the Americans and the success of the colonists, which 
should have been the pride of the government, excited a 
prejudicial jealousy. 

In the varied revolutions in Mexico, the colonists had 
remained wisely neutral, taking no side with either party. 
Even this was made a grievance. 

The trouble began when in 1830, the Mexican govern- 
ment passed an arbitrary law prohibiting the further im- 
migration of Americans into Texas. Military posts, were 
established in the provinces, civil authorities became ty- 
rannical and capricious and then the military law seemed 
supreme. 

TEXAN COMPLAINTS. 

In 1832, a convention of colonist was called at San Fe- 
lipe de Austin and fifty delegates w^ere present. In this 
convention Sam Houston made his first public debut 
in Texas and it resoluted in an emphatic way. It urged 
that Texas should be an independent state in the federa- 

21 



tion of Mexico and framed a constitution that should have 
been fairly acceptable to the government. It pointed 
out that under the law of 1824 it had a right to such action, 
when the population justified it and it could now claim 
that right. The resolution also pointed out many evils, 
that existed and for which a remedy was demanded 
Austin took the resolutions to Mexico and found much 
prejudice existing against the colonists. Permission to 
create a Texas independent state was emphatically and ab- 
ruptly denied, but Austin secured a remission of the law 
probiting American immigration and some postal facilities. 
Finding he could do no further good Austin went on his 
way. At Saltillo, he was arrested on the order of acting 
president Farias, taken back to the City of Mexico, held 
two years without trial or charge and then released. 



SANTA ANNA S TYRANNY. 



The frequent revolutions of Mexico had advanced Gen- 
eral Santa Anna de Lopez to the presidency, and, un 
the plan of Toluca, he was made absolute dictator. He 
dissolved the state union of Coahuila, making Texas sim- 
ply a province of the former state and dissolved the legis- 
lature of Coahuila by force, leaving Texas practically 
without an administration except military rule. Then 
General Ugartechea was sent with a garrison to Bexar 
with the evident intent of overawing the colonists, who 
were murmuring against Mexican oppression. Prohibi- 
tion of American immigration had been re-imposed, restric- 
tions on commerce were put so that no colonist could re- 
tail in the country, there was difficulty in obtaining land 
titles and undue favor to Mexicans, who would claim titles 
that rightly belonged to colonists. There were also many 
other evils of which the colonists with good reason, com- 
plained. 

22 



TEXANS FORCIBLY RESIST. 

Acting under instruction from headquarters, General 
Ugartechea caused the arrest of certain citizens, who were 
obnoxious to Santa Anna's party and Leonardo de Zavala, 
a Mexican friend of the colonists, and grandfather of 
Miss Adina de Zavalla, was specially sought as a formid- 
able enemy to the centralists, of which Santa Anna 
was chief. The colonists, however, protected him and 
he escaped. 

The next order was even more offensive and dangerous, 
for it meant the practical disarming of the colonists and 
leaving them defenceless against the hostile Indians and 
without the means of hunting game, on which many sub- 
sisted. The order was to sieze the few cannon, the colonist 
had and to limit the use of fire arms to one gun to every 
five population. 

GONZALES OPENS REVOLUTION. 

Gonzales, which has been proudly termed the Lexington 
of Texas, had then a cannon, which had been given the 
citizen for its protection against Indians. General Ugar- 
techea ordered Captain Castanado, with one hundred and fif- 
ty, men to proceed to Gonazlas, sieze the cannon and bear 
it to San Antonio. This cannon was a potent factor in 
defence against the weekly incursions of Indians. The 
citizens resolved to maintain the gun, rallied under Capt. 
Albert Martin and a military organization was effected 
The Texan force was increased from one hundred to one 
hundred and sixty eight and action was taken for defence. 
Castanado asked for a parley, proclaimed that he was a 
republican and wanted to know for what the Texans were 
fighting. He was told that the citizens would, at all haz- 
ards, retain the cannon, and gave him the option of sur- 
rendering or joining their ranks. Castanado would do 

23 



^ either and he retired from the conference. Then the 
Texans prepared for an attack and, somehow, a collision 
occurred between the two forces. There are two versions of 
the origin of the collision. One is that Castanado 's demand 
for the surrender of the cannon was answered by its 
belching fire of denial. The other is that to intimidate 
the Gonzales garrison the Mexicans fired the first shot- 
Any-way a battle ensued, the Texans were victorious' 
Castanado defeated and, without the famous Gonzales 
cannon, he returned to San Antonio. 

COLONISTS IN ACTION. 

The news reached lower Caney and caused much excit- 
ment. Captain George Collingsworth, then gathered a 
few planters from Matagorda and Brazoria and proposed 
to capture La Bahia and they marched there. On the out- 
skirts they met Ben Milam, who had escaped from a Mex- 
ican prison and was homeward bound. The attack was 
made on the night of October 8, and the garrison being 
surprised, surrendered. The Texans by this time stroke 
gained the fort, twenty-five prisoners, several pieces of 
artillery, three hundred stands of arms and cash valued at 
$10,000. The fort was garrisoned and placed in command of 
of Capt. Phil Dimmit. 

On November 3 , Liptitlan on the Nueces river was taken 
by Captain Westover and the twenty Mexicans found there 
liberated on parole. After this Westover was attacked 
by seventy Mexicans and easily defeated them. 

The action of the Texans could only be regarded by 
Mexico, as open rebellion, however, much it was justified, 
and it was naturally expected that the Mexican forces 
would be opposed to them. The Texans realized that the 
fight for liberty had to be made and prepared for the strug- 
gle. 

4 



AUSTIN HEADS THE ARMY. 

Stephen Austin was elected commander-in-chief and pro- 
ceeded to Gonzales. Here the Texan army was organized 
and eight hundred Texans flocked to aid him. Then came 
the news that General Cos had arrived in San Antonio, 
the garrison had been strengthened and the city put in a 
thorough state of defense. This was Austin's objective 
point for it was the stronghold of Texas and must be cap- 
tured. 

VICTORY AT MISSION CONCEPCION. 

With his army, Austin crossed the Guadalupe, October 
1 2th, 1835, ^rid eight days latter camped at the Mission de 
de la Espada, nine miles below the city. On October 27th. 
Austin sent Cols. Fannin and Bowie to reconnoitre to see if a 
camp could not be secured much nearer the city. The 
party camped on the place with three sides open and the 
Mexican spies discovered them. They were attacked by a 
large body of Mexican soldiers. The fight was short but 
terrific and in the end the Mexicans fled to San Antonio, 
leaving a cannon, muskets, ammunition and the dead and 
wounded behind. In this engagement — the battle of 
Mission Concepcion — the Texans only lost one man, Rob- 
ert Andrews, and a few were wounded. The Mexicans 
had 60 killed and 40 wounded and were much demor- 
alized. 

PROVISIONAL GOVERNMENT ORGANIZED. 

A general consultation was held on November 3, 1835, 
and it was expected that a declaration of independence 
would be made but for the present only a protest was made 
which mainly protested against the usurpation of Santa 
Anna, recited Texan wrongs, maintained the right to secede 
and form an independent state and demanded the constitu- 
tion of 1824 to which they would adhere. A provisional gov- 

25 



ernment was also elected consisting of Henry Smith, Gover- 
nor; James W. Robinson, Lieutenant Governor and Sam 
Houston, Commander in chief. A commission was also ap- 
pointed to go north to state the case of the colonists and to 
secure munitions of war, and Stephen Austin was nam^ed as 
one of the commissioners. 

THE GRASS FIGHT. 

The next event was the grass fight. General Cos sent 
out a detail to cut fodder for the horses. A running fight 
ensued arid the Mexicans fled to the fortifications. 

Austin retired to discharge his duties as commissioner 
and Burleson was elected to command. The cold weather 
came, and the Texans were ill prepared for a winter campaign 
and the colonists were anxious to get into San Antonio. 
The city, however, was well fortified, the strong houses 
formed a great defence, the Alamo was in fine order and 
held by artillery and Burleson and his officers thought a suc- 
cessful assault, with the present force, impossible. Then 
two splendid companies from New Orleans, in fine gray 
uniforms and well equipped, arrived. They were called 
the "New Orleans Grays," and were commanded by 
Major R. C. Morris and Captains Breeze and Cooke. 

There were murmurings in camp and complaints of 
inactivity and something had to be done. Then it was 
proposed to make an attack on San Antonio on December 3 , 
but then there was reason to beHeve that their plans had 
been betrayed and some were in favor of falhng back on 
Goliad, as Sam Houston had ordered. The attack was 
deferred until a better opportunity. Next day, fortunate- 
ly, Sam Maverick, Holmes and Smith, who had been im- 
prisoned by De Cos and liberated, came into camp and 
gave valuable information as to the fortifications and con- 
ditions of San Antonio. 

26 



MILAM LEADS FOR SAN ANTONIO. 

Colonel Milam suggested action and Burleson gave reluct- 
ant consent, fearing the safety of the men. Milam, gave a 
loud yell, called the colonists around him and then cried 
"Who will go with old Ben Milam into' San Antonio?" 
In a few minutes there were 300 volunteers including the 
"New Orleans Grays." Then a plan of action was ar- 
ranged. General Burleson should remain at headquarters. 
Colonel Niel with artillery should attack the Alamo to draw 
the Mexican forces there, and Milam should lead the attack, 
he taking one division and Colonel F. W Johnson the other. 
It was one of the most daring schemes of warfare. That 
night Milam and his gallant band encamped at the MoHno 
Blanco, within a mile of the city. In the morning Niel 
attacked the Alamo and drew the Mexicans to its defence 
Then Milam and Johnson crossed the river and made a dual 
attack a little above the point where Houston Street now 
crosses Soledad Street. Mexican defenders were soon there 
and cannon shot and musket balls were scattered among 
the invaders. 

COLONISTS CAPTURE THE CITY. 

It was the most remarkable fight ever known. The Texans 
went to a house and captured it, broke out with crow bars, 
and made a dash for another house in a like way, and so 
advanced untill they got to the center of the city and the 
priest's house. Milam was shot and killed on the third day 
and Colonel F. W. Johnson succeeded to the command. 
Major Morris, of the ' 'New Orleans Grays, ' ' took Johnson's 
place. General Cos found the Texans in the heart of the 
city and, no doubt overestimating the number, and failing 
to drive them out, returned to the Alamo. The black flag 
that floated over it gave place to the white flag and later 
General Cos agreed to surrender, evacuate the city and re- 

27 



turn to Mexico. Officers were permitted to retain side 
arms and personal property and were allowed to take a 
battery, one hundred stand of arms and ammunition for 
protection from Indians. All were placed under the parole 
d'honor not to fight against Texas, which Cos and others 
broke by fighting in the Mexican army at San Jacinto. 

And so on December 14, 1835, the Mexicans evacuated 
San Antonio and left the city in complete control of the 
victorious Texans. It was a grand victory and almost un- 
parralled in the annals of war. 

INCAUTIOUS INACTIVITY. 

There was an idea that the Mexicans were whipped and 
that the independence of Texas was gained. This idea 
was fooHsh. Those who entertained it did not know Santa 
Anna's pride or realize his hatred and his power. 

In San Antonio the Texans rested upon their laurels and 
took no means to protect them. Many went home, others 
joined the Grant expedition to Matamores and there was a 
flitting to other places. The garrison at San Antonio by 
these causes became less than 150. General Burle- 
son retired and Colonel Niel was appointed in his stead. On 
Neil's retirement it is generally supposed that Travis suc- 
ceeded, but the assumption of command is signed by Travis 
and Bowie, each as Colonel of their respective regiments. 

SAM HOUSTON IN COMMAND. 

General Sam Houston was nominally commander=in- 
chief but the Texan army was not in a very promising con- 
dition. The soldiers, for the most part, were brave but 
unskilled, and were not readily amenable to discipline. 
There was also an unfortunate conflict of authority, the 
military council ordering and sanctioning matters without 
the advice and knowledge of the commander-in-chief which 
led to the Matamores fiasco and many dire evils. 

28 



Then came Santa Anna's siege of San Antonio, and the 
fall of the Alamo. We leave that chapter in Texas history 
to Mr. Stanford, merely remarking that Travis was 
ordered by General Houston to blow up the Alamo and to 
fall back on Goliad. If Travis had done this he would 
have strengthened the general forces and have been 
strengthened. Had he done so the massacre of the Alamo 
would have been avoided, but it is questionable whether 
the independence of Texas would have been gained so 
quickly and decisively. 

DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE. 

While Santa Anna was battering the walls of the Alamo 
delegates from all parts of the state were meeting in Wash- 
ington, Texas, to promulgate a declaration of independence, 
frame a constitution and to nominate a government. 
It assembled on March i , and next day the Texan declar- 
ation of independence was adopted. 

Travis' appeaIv. 

On Sunday, March 6, Travis' last appeal was handed to 
the president of the convention, Richard Ellis, of Red 
River. Rumors of its purport got around and, without 
call, every member was in his seat when the president arose 
and read what he called ' 'a document of the most import- 
ant character ever received by any assembly of men. ' ' 
There was great excitement, much sympathy, and every 
desire to render all possible aid to the patriots of the Alamo, 
and Robert Potter arose and moved that this convention 
do now adjourn and march to the rehef of the Alamo. 
Then Houston arose and opposed Potter's motion as mad- 
ness and treason to the people. What could fifty delegates 
do in the face of the immense besieging force? A declara- 
tion of independence without an organization to support 

29 



it was null and void. Without it they could not command 
the respect and sympathy of mankind and would be re- 
garded simply as outlaws. He eloquently begged the con- 
vention to resume their deliberations, perfecting the state 
organization, and pledged himself to set out for Gonzales 
at once, where he understood a force of militia had been 
quartered. He promised that while they sat in convention 
the Mexicans should never approach them, and that if 
human aid could save the brave men in the Alamo that aid 
should be extended to them. 

HOUSTON TO THE RESCUE. 

Houston was soon in the saddle and was accompanied by 
some companions and rode to a certain point with a speci- 
fic object Travis had promised to fire a gun each morning at 
at sunrise that should announce that he still held the fort. 
These signals had been heard over the prairies for a hundred 
miles. The party camped there, and early next morning 
Houston, like the skilled Indian hunter he was, held his ear 
to the ground to catch even the gun's vibration. He 
listened long and anxiously but the gun failed to give the 
accustomed signal and he knew then that the Alamo had 
fallen. The Alamo had fired its last gun on the morn- 
ing Travis' appeal reached Washington, and that while 
delegates were debating the measure of relief the heroes* 
bones were smoldering on a funereal pyre. The prognos- 
tication of the silence of the gun was soon confirmed. 

On leaving Washington he sent orders to Col. Fannin to 
hasten to San Antonio and relieve the Alamo. Finding 
that this would now be useless, on March ii, he sent orders 
for Fannin * 'to evacuate Goliad, blow up the fort and fall 
back upon Victoria and the Guadaloupe. ' ' Had Fannin 
obeyed that order the massacre of Goliad would certainly 
have been avoided. 

30 



THE GOLIAD MASSACRE. 

Houston's idea was to concentrate his forces, and he 
would there have joined Fannin. It was the most import 
ant of all commands as it included the famous Alabama and 
Georgia regiments consisting of brave and experienced 
soldiers who were well equipped in every way. Fannin for 
some reason did not attempt to obey the order until he 
was surrounded by Mexicans and it was too late. He wrote 
to the commander in chief saying th at he had held a coun cil of 
war, had named the camp Fort Defiance, had determined to 
defend it and was willing to meet the consequence 
of disobeying orders. This is what Crane reports in his life 
of Houston, but friends deny or palliate the offence. 
It was not the first time that Fannin had disobeyed orders. 
He left the recruiting station on the Brazos to seek the colon- 
elcy of the Alabama and Georgia regiments, at least so 
Houston says, and he was wont to tell the truth. 

However, this may be, the Mexicans succeeded in divid- 
ing Fannin's forces and in forcing all to surrender as pris- 
oners of war. Then, in defiance of all rules of warfare, the 
prisoners were taken out by guards and deliberately 
murdered, under orders. The doctors were reserved for 
use, and a few others escaped. This was a severe blow to 
Houston as it deprived him of the services of a grand 
command. 

Goliad was really the beginning of the end. The fate of 
Texas lay with Houston and such force he had or could 
gain. Then began a game of "hide and seek "with Santa 
Anna as the seeker. Santa Anna knew that Houston and 
his forces were the only barrier to the subjugation of Texas, 
and with his overwhelming force he should defeat him and 
had every prospect of doing so. 

31 



HOUSTON S STRATEGY. 

Houston had his plans laid but he told none. Then came 
his policy of retreat and he gained strength as he retreated. 
In this he fooled Santa Anna who took his retreat as a sign 
of weakness and inability to give battle, and he incautiously 
followed where Houston led, being desirous of defeating 
Houston's force and crushing what he called the rebellion. 
On the forces went until they met on San Jacinto's field, 
Houston had the enemy just where he wanted him, with 
a much divided force, on April 20, 1836. The enemy 
had passed over Vince's bridge, were face to face with the 
Texans and in the rear was a sea of water. The only event 
on that day was the reconnoitre of Col. Sherman, a daring 
adventure, which ended well. The day ended without an 
attack on either side. The next morning Santa Anna was 
re-inforced by the arrival of General Cos, and about five 
hundred men. It is estimated that the Mexican force 
was about 1500 men, while the Texan army was only 783. 
men. The Mexicans were well equipped with rations and 
ammunitions while the Texans were in a reverse condi- 
tion. 

The first move of the Texans was to cut down Vince's 
bridge to prevent retreat of the Mexicans and the possible 
retreat of their troops. 

VICTORY AT SAN JACINTO. 

Santa Anna made no show of attack but contented him- 
self with organizing his forces and in making defences for his 
position. He waited knowing that an attacked force has 
the best position. He had no fear, he had by far the largest 
force, and the best equipped, and was confident of the 
favorable issue. 

On the other hand, in the Texan camp were desperate 
men who were fighting for liberty and their homes. They 

32 



knew that if Santa Anna conquered their hopes and all, even 
life, perished in his victory. And in the ranks were brave 
patriots, eager to avenge the death of compatriots in the 
Alamo and at Goliad, and sought in all ways Santa Anna's 
defeat. 

Both sides remained on the defensive until 3:00 p.m. 
next day — the glorious 21st day of April, 1836 — 
and the Mexicans came to the conclusion that there would 
be no engagement that day, but at that very hour the order 
to charge was given and the Texans,to the air of "Come 
to the Bower," and cries of "Remember the Alamo," 
' 'Remember Goliad! ' 'rushed on their Mexican enemies 
with terrific force. The conflict was sharp and decisive 
and the Texans were triumphant. The Texan loss was 
remarkably small, six killed and twenty-three wounded, 
six mortally. On the enemy's side there were 630 killed, 
one general, two colonels, four lieutenant colonels, five 
captains, twelve lieutenants. There were 200 wounded and 
730 prisoners. On the day after General Santa Anna, in 
disguise, was taken prisoner and General Cos, who broke 
his parole d'honor, given when Milam's force captured the 
City of San Antonio, was also captured. There were no 
doubt, many drowned, of whom little accounting was made. 
Few escaped without injury and only a small remnant of San- 
ta Anna's army was left. Had the Mexican tyrant escaped 
he would have heen powerless until he received re-inforce- 
ments from Mexico. The Texans also captured 600 mus- 
kets, 300 sabers, 200 pistols, much amunition and army 
l^aggage and $12,000 in specie, and despite the forced 
marches, exposure to bad weather and privation, the 
hardy Texans were in fine condition. 

HOUSTON'S GENEROSITY. 

How different was the treatment of the Mexicans by the . 

33 



Texans to what it would have been if the positions had been 
reversed. There is no doubt that the scenes of the Alamo 
and Goliad would have been repeated as, indeed, Santa 
Anna had threatened. The patriots would have been 
massacred, their bodies burned on a funereal pyre and their 
homes subject to pillage and rapine. 

The Texans, however, were brave men, and like brave 
men they were humane to their prisoners. There was 
naturally great indignation against Santa Anna because he 
had been the main cause of Texan troubles and for his in- 
famous actions against the Texans at the Alamo and 
Goliad, and there were many that clamored for his death 
in expiation of those terrible crimes but Houston, though 
censured for it, insisted on treating Santa Anna Hke a prison- 
er of war and with the honor, under such circumstances, 
that was due to his rank, and better council prevailed, even 
though a foolish and unwarranted attempt was made to 
recapture Santa Anna after his release. 

Mainly by Houston's advice and insistance Santa Anna's 
life was spared and a treaty was made recognizing the 
independence of Texas. Santa Anna was then permitted 
to return to his native land. This act was not only humane 
and wise, for there were many Texan prisoners in Mexico 
and the execution of Santa Anna might have caused a ter- 
rible reprisal. 

TEXAN INDEPENDENT REPUBLIC. 

Then came the repubhc of Texas with Sam Houston as 
its president, and San Antonio as its leading city, though 
Washington was its capitol. Then also came peace, pros- 
perity and rapid progress. 

MEXICO'S VAIN ATTEMPTS. 

Two attempts were made afterwards by Mexico to 
regain Texas, and San Antonio was, of course, the objec- 

34 



tive point in each case. The first was that of General 
Vasquez who came to San Antonio March 5, 1842 and 
demanded its surrender, promising protection to citizens 
in civil rights. He stayed two days, changed the govern- 
ment and returned to Mexico. 

The next was that of General WoU who captured the 
city on September 10, 1842. The Texans retired to the 
Salado and rallied there. Woll attacked them and was 
defeated, and next day retreated to the Rio Grande. 

This was the last trouble that Texas had with Mexico, 
excepting the Mexican war which it is generally admitted 
was a blunder and could have been avoided. It had, how- 
ever, the advantage of making definite peace between the 
two great republics-the United States and Mexico. 

PAST AND FUTURE OF TEXAS. 

Texas surrendered her position as an independent repub- 
lic to be one of the United States, but during the civil war 
seceeded and was an ardent supporter of the confederacy 
and her sons figured prominently in the fray. On Lee's 
surrender Texas reluctantly sheathed her sword, and later 
came into the Union again as one of the loyal states, 
and proved her loyalty during the Spanish- American war. 

Today Texas is one of the largest states in the union, and 
is the richest , although millions of acres remain unsettled 
and not a tithe of her natural wealth has been exploited. 
The climate is temperate and salubrious, and the gulf 
breeze adds to its comfort. The greater part is free from 
plagues and cyclones, and even where they occurr they are 
of a mild and comparatively harmless character. The 
land is most fertile, and the yield is phenomenal. Water, 
where it does not exist naturally in large quantities is 
readily secured by artesian wells. Cotton and corn is 

35 



most extensively produced, and other cereals are grown 
well. Fruits and truck thrive in a luxurious and profitable 
way. Cattle ranches are conducted on a large scale. Some 
of the largest oil wells can be found here. There is an 
abundance of lumber and building material and exceeding 
riches in mineral wealth. It is no figure of speech to say 
that Texas in her wealth, if properly developed, could sup- 
port her own population and the whole of the United States 
with the necessities of life. 

It is the empire state now in its size and the course of 
time must naturally be the empire state in all other ways, 

HENRY RYDER-TAYLOR 




36 



THE STORY of the ALAMO 



Its seige by President Santa 
Anna, the gallant defence of 
Texans in face of overpowering 
numbers, how they were mass- 
acred in defence of the fortress, 
and how their bodies were 
bumed to ashes by the ruthless 
tyrant. ^ ^ ^ ^ 



BY 

CHAS. H. STANFORD 



Story Of The Alamo, 



The story of the Alamo has been often told, and so 
well written, that I have hesitated to accept the invi- 
tation of my friends to write this chapter for this book, 
but can I, who venerate the patriots that died in order 
that we might be free, refuse to do them all honor 
that lies within me or fail to hold up their honorable titles 
as a just tribute to their virtues and as an example for 
those of the present generation and those that shall follow? 



The days of Chivalry in foreign lands interest us and ex- 
cite us, but most of these are of a fanciful character and 
chimerical in idea. The Texan hero is of another char- 
acter, of original type and of essential manhood. Prima- 
rilly he came here to seek a livelihood for himself and fa- 
mily. Under guarantees of a government he settled here, 
worked hard to gain a home and competence with no 
thought of the scenes that followed, but when tyranny and 
oppression came, when pledges were broken and injustice 
prevailed, he rose in all the might of his manhood and de- 
manded as a right the justice that was his due, and, failing 
to secure it, in a peaceable way, he fought for it and won it. 
There may not have been the glare and tinsel of foreign 
knighthood, no mailed armor, plumes and heraldic trap- 
pings, but there was the evidence of a glorious manhood 
that demanded right and had the courage to enforce it. These 
were simply tillers of the soil, the hewers of the wood and 

39 



the drawers of the water. An old slouch hat, buckskin, a 

trusty musket andabowieknife was Texan armor and they 

were so low in the social scale, that they could hardly dare 

to aspire to be an esquire to the chivalrious knight of old, 

on the European plan, but the simple Texan settler far 

exceeded in bravery and manhood the showy knight of 

the me de vial ages. 

* * * 

The ladies in days of old gave their knights gages — a 
token of favor — that were of varied kinds from the lady's 
glove to a banneret and possibly many of the pioneers 
bore such gages. Men show their approval in other 
ways. All I can do now is to show my appreciation of 
their good work by the recital of their noble deeds and 
by laying a garland upon the dear old Alamo that is a 
monument to their heroism and must remain so, as long 
as one stone remains and Texan manhood shall exist. 



In respect for our dead heroes, I am writing. I have 
only one desire, that is to do them the honor and justice 
that they deserve, although the space at my disposal is 
is very limited. Perhaps at a future date, I may handle 
this subject in a more liberal way. 



It is unfortunate that the information respecting this 
important event is so meagre and in many cases unre- 
liable and contradictory. All the male defenders died 
except Rose, who deserted his comrades in the hour of 
peril, and whose account is too grandiloquent and spec- 
ious as to command confidence. No one can imagine 
that Travis in the presence of friends would deliver a set 

40 



Ciceronian address — he was a man of deeds, not words, as 
all heroes are, and only rose to eloquence in his impressive 
appeals for outside aid, prompted by the necessity of the 
occasion. Then that story of the drawing of the line 
is too theatrical and in the imitation of a scene from Pi- 
zarro, to be accepted. The only survivors were women 
and children. They would naturally be protected and 
isolated as much as possible and would not have seen all 
and in their anxiety and confusion may be excused if they 
failed to notice much that occurred. The main account 
we have is based on Mexican sources and hearsay evidence 
for no record was found made by the defenders of the Ala- 
mo. If any was made it perished with them. 

* * * 

But despite this ambiguity, the glorious fact remains 
that for twelve days the noble garrison of the Alamo held 
the fort against the mighty host of Santa Anna, refusing 
to capitulate and fought against an overwhelming force, 
until their wounds or death rendered them incapable of 
resistance. What record can be greater or more honor- 
able? 

* * * . 

The defence of the Alamo is an heroic picture, realistic 
in fact and at the same time ideal and romantic. The 
picture is unparralled in history and there is no wonder 
that Texans, are proud of it and venerate the heroes, 
who made such a grand defence and by it, laid the founda- 
tion of freedom for this glorious Lone Star State — the em- 
pire state of our great Republic. 

In this article I shall only use such facts as seem to me 
to be worthy of credence and that have a reasonable 
amount of confirmation. I have consulted the best authori- 

41 



ties in a desire to give the reader, in a brief way, the best 
information that can be secured. But it must be rem- 
embered that this is mainly a compilation and must be 
accepted in that way. 

* * * 

With this introduction let me relate the 

STORY OF THE ALAMO 

as I understand it. In order, however, that it may be 
understood, I must relate the condition of affairs in Texas 
at the time of the memorable siege of the Alamo. 

The Texans were oppressed by t^^anny and injustice 
and when Santa Anna became dictator of Mexico, of which 
Texas was then a province, their condition became worse. 
The legislature of Coahuila was forcibly dissolved and pe- 
titions for redress were contemptuously ignored. The 
last straw came when Santa Anna sought to deprive the 
Texans of arms, the only means they had of defence from 
Indians and to obtain game for food. General Ugarte 
chea, on Santa Anna's instructions, sent to Gonzales to se- 
cure a cannon, held there and given citizens for protection 
from Indians, that were troublesome and dangerous. The 
citizens rallied, refused to deliver the cannon and the Mex- 
icans sought forcibly to take it. Then followed the first en- 
counter between Texan and Mexicans and in the end the 
latter were defeated and retired to San Antonio. A little 
later a band of Texans captured the fortress of La Bahia 
(Goliad). 

This open rebeUion to Mexican authority naturally 
meant war or the yielding to a far worse condition. The 
Texans insisted on the rights granted them under the Mex- 
ican National Laws of 1824, which Santa Anna had violat- 
ed and seeing no other means of gaining it, organized a 

42 



little army to enforce their demands and Stephen F. Austin 
was chosen as commander. The Texans encamped around 
the missions on the environs of San Antonio, which Vs^as the 
fortress of Texas. This was at the end of the year 1835. 
Then followed the battle of Mission Conception and the 
grass fight in which Texans were victorious and suffered 
Httle loss. 

To strike an effective blow at Mexico and to provide 
quarters for Texans at this inclement season, was most 
desirable. The only question was how the Texans would 
carry the fortress against an overwhelming force. Austin 
retired from command, being one of the commissioners 
detailed by the provisional government to collect funds in 
the northern and eastern states and General Burleson suc- 
ceeded to the command. 

There was a delay in the attack on San Antonio and 
much grumbUng by the adventurous spirits. Then came 
Ben Milam, who securing Burleson consent, raised the me- 
morable cry of ' 'Who will go with old Ben Milam into San 
iVntonio?" In a few minutes three hundred men had 
pledged themselves to follow Milam and among them were 
the New Orleans Grays, who had recently re-inforced the 
Texans. That night Milam's men were quartered se- 
cretly at the Molino Blanco, on the northern outskirts of 
San Antonio, and next morning under command of Milam 
and Frank Johnson, they attacked the northern end of 
of San Antonio. It was a most courageous and desperate 
act and the Mexicans met the Texans with cannon, shrap- 
nell and fusilades of muskets and then followed a most un- 
ique war -fare. The Texans took the city house by house, 
capturing one and then rushing to the other and taking 
it and so went on till they got to the heart of the city. On the 
fourth day, Milam fell shot through the head. On the third 

43 



day Johnson took the command and Morris of the New 
Orleans Greys took Johnson's place. The Mexican Gen- 
eral, Cos, finding he couldnot dislodge the Texansand,no 
doubt over-estimating their number, raised a flag of truce 
and capitulated and soon after he and his men evacuated 
the city on parole, leaving the Texans in triumphant and 
and peaceful possession of it on Dec. 14, 1835. 

It may be said that having conquered San Antonio the 
Texan colonists were in possession of the whole state and 
there seemed to be an idea that Mexico would permit the 
Texans to create an independent state, as provided for in 
the laws of 1824, and, in that case, there is little doubt that 
they would have agreed to become the one of the federated 
states of Mexico. Burleson retired from command and it 
was invested in Travis and Bowie jointly as representing 
the two arms of miHtary service, though Travis seemed 
really to be commanding officer, probably owing to Bowie's 
ill health. 

The Texans were at peace and good government and 
order prevailed and the Mexicans living there had friend- 
ship and justice. 

Lulled by a false sense of security the defenders began to 
seperate. Some naturally went to their homes, others joined 
that will o' the whisp scheme, the invasion of Mexico and 
the active garrison of San Antonio was reduced to about 
one hundred and fifty men. 

In the mean time the calm of San Antonio was threaten- 
ed by a storm brewing in the Mexican capital. Cos had re- 
turned there and the^ story of his ignominious defeat by a 
handful of Texans had been told. Santa Anna was enraged 
over the loss of Texas, the disgrace to Mexican arms and 
his anger was increased when his political enemies used 
the fact against his miHtary prowess of which he was espe- 

44 



cially proud. He regarded himself as * 'the Napoleon of 
Mexico," and nothing delighted him more than the title 
given him by his sycophants ' 'The Napoleon of the West.' ' 

Santa Anna was impulsive and erratic, but he was es- 
sentially bold and aggressive and spared no means to 
attain his desired end. He decided on the reconquest of 
Texas and to punish the Texans whom he naturally called 
rebels and, for this purpose , organized an army of picked 
men and equipped it in the best manner known in the mili- 
tary circles of that day. And what was more, he decided 
to lead the army in person to its anticipated victories and 
thus add to his laurels. 

With all possible speed Santa Anna set out from Mexico 
with a large army, most of whom had served under him in 
his Mexican victories and were experts in warfare. 

On February 22, the anniversary of Washington's birth- 
day — the van guard of Santa Anna's army, much to the 
dismay of the Texans, arrived at the Alazan. The signi- 
ficance of this was ominous. It meant that the Mexican 
forces would attack San Antonio, but the importance and 
extent of its commission was not understood. 

Of course the Texans were on the qui vive and began 
to organize for defence and when all was told theie were 
were but one hundred and forty-five fighting men. 

Houston, as commander-in-chief, had anticipated 
this attack and had ordered that in such event Travis 
should blow up the Alamo and fall back on Goliad, where 
he would be strengthened by forces, there and a juncture 
could be made with the varied forces. These instruct- 
ions were disregarded. The Alamo was the natural for- 
tress of the city and to that place Travis and his men re- 
tired. He thought, probably, of Milam's success and he had 
reasonable hope of re-inf or cements from several points, 

45 



wherein Texan troops were located and expected to be 
ready for service. Then the Texans began to arrange 
the Alamo for defense. 

On the next day, Santa Anna and his army arrived, his 
blood red banner was placed on San Fernando Cathedral 
meaning no quarter or mercy, and a formal demand was 
made for the surrender of the city. The only answer the 
Texans made was a cannon shot aimed at the banner 
but it did not reach it. Foraging parties of Texans, se- 
cured eighty bushels of corn and thirty beeves and other 
provender. 

By the second day the Mexicans had mounted a cannon 
on the cathedral roof and bombarded the Alamo without 
the least effect. The reader must remember that the 
cathedral was in an oblique line to the Alamo and the 
country, then between those points, except for a few small 
houses (jacals), was open and rendered the Alamo liable 
for a cannonade from the cathedral. On the same day 
Travis sent a courier with his eloquent appeal for aid to 
Goliad and to Washington, Texas, then the seat of the 
provisional government, in which was included the heroic 
and memorable words ' 'I shall never surrender or retreat' '. 

On the third day Santa Anna drew nearer the Alamo, 
moving his headquarters across the river and made a per- 
sonal reconnoitre. The Texans opened their batteries 
on the party killing two, and wounding six others. At 
night they sallied forth and burned several wooden jac- 
als that afforded a hiding place for the invaders. 

The only feature of the fourth day was an attempt on 
part of the Mexicans to divert the ditches which suppHed 
the Alamo with water. This was frustrated and at night 
the Texans fired more wooden jacals on the north side of 
the Alamo. 

46 



The fifth day was only marked by the Mexican bom- 
bardment of the Alamo, which had no effect. The Texans, 
being short of ammunition, wisely refrained from returning 
the fire. 

Col. John N. Seguin and a corporal were sent out on the 
sixth day to Gohad to urge the immediate neccessity for 
reinforcements and got safely away. 

The Mexicans on the seventh day continued the bom- 
bardment. Shells fell around, but they did no material 
damage. 

The eighth day was more cheering for the Texans for the 
first re-inforcement thirty-two men from good old Gon- 
zales arrived and were welcomed with loud huzzas. On 
the same day a Texan shot hit the headquarters wherein 
Santa Anna was located. It seemed to be a good omen 
and so was accepted. 

The Mexican bombardment continued heavily on the 
ninth day, but no harm was done to the Texans. 

The tenth day came and Col. Bonham, who had been 
sent to Goliad for re-inforcements, managed to evade the 
Mexican lines and entered the Alamo. He brought the 
sad news that no aid could be expected from that quarter, 
though the reason has never been explained. Fannin 
was there and had the Alabama and Georgia regiments 
under his command. The bombardent went on but was, 
as usual, ineffective. Then Travis made his last appeal for 
assistance addressing it to the provisional government that 
was then in session at Washington, Texas." It was dated 
March 3, 1836. In that dispatch Travis, reports the con- 
dition of the Alamo and rejoices that though over two 
hundred shells have fallen within the walls none have been 
injured and that there has been no loss of life from any 
cause, though they had killed several of the enemy. He 

47 



tells of the appeals made to Goliad for assistance and that 
none had arrived and that he looks to the colonies alone for 
aid. And he adds: 

"I hope your honorable body will hasten on re-inforce- 
ments, ammunition and provisions to aid us as soon as 
possible. We have provisions for twenty days for the 
men we have; our supply of ammunition is limited. At 
least five hundred pounds of powder and two hundred 
rounds of six, nine, twelve and eighteen pound balls, ten 
kegs of rifle powder and a supply of lead should be sent to 
this place without delay, under sufficient guard. If these 
things are promptly sent and large reinforcements sent to 
the frontier, this neighborhood will be the great and decisive 
battle ground. The power of Santa Anna is to be met 
here by the colonies ; we had better meet it here than to 
suffer a war of desolation to rage in our settlements. A 
blood red banner waves from the church of Bexar (San 
Fernando Cathedral) and in camp above us in token that 
the war is one of vengeance against rebels — ^they have 
declared us such and demanded that we surrender at 
discretion or this garrison shall be put to the sword. 
Their threats have no influence on me or my men, but 
to make all fight with desperation and with that high souled 
courage, which characterizes the patriot, who is willing to 
die in defence of his country's liberty and his own honor." 

"The citizens of this municipality are all our enemies, 
except those who joined us heretofore. We have but thi^ee 
Mexicans in the fort. Those who have not joined us in 
this extremity, should be declared public enemies and their 
property should aid in defraying the expenses of the war." 

* The bearer of this will give your honorable body a 
statement more in detail should he escape through the 
enemy's lines. God and Texas! Victory or Death!" 

48 




FOUR TEXAN HEROES. 



\ 



This message was sent by J. W. Smith, who was the fa- 
ther of Mrs. W. G. Tobin, the mother of Sheriff Tobin;Ex- 
Fire Chief Tobin and others of that family. Smith left the 
Alamo at midnight and as he left Travis said ' ' Every 
morning at daybreak, I will fire a cannon as a sign that we 
still hold the fort, but when the cannon is heard no more 
its silence will tell that the Alamo has fallen." Smith 
crawled on his hands and knees till he got beyond the 
Mexican lines and then posted with all possible haste to 
Washington, but it transpired afterwards that when the 
message was delivered the Alamo had fallen. 

The eleventh day came. The bombardment contiued 
and in a more vigorous way, but the Texans reserved their 
fire. A story is told that Travis found no signs of aid 
being rendered and was despondent. It is further said 
that he offered to surrender as prisoners of war. Santa 
Anna's reply was "you must surrender at discretion, with- 
out any guarantee of life, which traitors do not deserve." 

Santa Anna excused this under the plea that it was the will 
of the Mexican Congress, but as he was dictator to its acts 
the excuse is invahd. The fact was he hated the Ameri- 
can colonists, they were a barrier to his tyranny and he 
had decided upon a pohcy of extermination. Upon this 
reply Travis saw that in any case, death awaited him and 
his brave companions. He then decided to continue the 
struggle even to death. There was more honor in death, 
fighting the foe than in an ignominous surrender. The 
story of Travis's proposed surrender is incredable as one 
of Santa Anna's letter says: "Through the obstinacy of 
Travis and his men, not one of them would surrender." 
Then we have that fairy tale, that Rose tells, how Travis 
explained the critcal condition, how the leader drew a hne 
with his sword in the old church and said: "Those who 

49 



will stand by me will now cross the line, those who do not 
not care to do so have free permission to depart and es- 
cape, if they can. Not a man faltered except Rose. Even 
Bowie, who was seriously ill, demanded that his cot be 
taken across the line. Rose claimed that he refused to 
do so, was permitted to leave and so made his escape. 
Who can credit the story of such an arrant coward, as he 
is by his own admission, irrespective of other contra- 
dictory features. 

Santa Anna was tired and anxious. He had a good idea 
of the straits of the Alamo defenders and feared that re- 
inforcements would arrive and prevent the capture of 
San Antonio. That afternoon he called a council of war 
and proposed taking the Alamo by storm on the following 
day. There was considerable opposition, many officers 
regarding the project in a most opposite way, believing 
that the attack would fail. The dictator carried his 
point and the attack was ordered for the next day and 
formal, official orders were given to that effect. 

Santa Anna laid his plans with consummate care and 
with the diabolical idea of the terrible vengeance he in- 
flicted upon the patriots. The attack was to be made 
by four divisions, each carrying scaHng ladders, crow- 
bars and axes. Those carrying these to bear muskets 
hung from their shoulders. No overcoat or blanket 
was to be taken to impair the soldiers movements and 
the use of shoes or sandals was forbidden so that they 
could noiselessly approach the Alamo. Care was to be 
taken in the fire arms and especial attention was to be 
paid to the condition of the bayonets. - 

Every grenadier was to be supplied with six pack- 
ages of cartridges and two spare flints. Jhe men were 
to turn in for rest at dark and to be ready for call at mid- 
50 



night. A reserve force was arranged for the camp of 
recruits and of experts, who were detailed to kill any of 
the Texan garrison that might escape the general butch- 
ery. 

There was no special reason to expect the attack and 
the brave Texans went through the usual routine. All 
possible precautions were taken for safety. The doors 
and windows were barred with many sandbags and 
marksmen. As usual sentries were posted at various 
points and other tired workers slept. 

It was about four o'clock on Sunday the 6th day of 
March 1836. four divisions of Santa Anna's army moved 
on to the Alamo with a silent and stealthy tread and, 
arriving at the convent , an attack was made and the bu- 
gles sounded the terrible dequelo — the call indicating 
death and no quarter. There was general activity by 
the gallant defenders and every available man rushed 
to the position he was assigned to defend. 

According to Sergeant Beceras' account, General Cas- 
trillion was the first to attack and leader in it. He 
planted scaHng ladders and commenced an ascent and 
others made a human ladder to scale the outer defences. 
The Texans opened a heavy fire and followed with a fu- 
silade of muskets and soon the ground was strewed with 
dead and dying Mexicans. The first attack was repulsed 
with great slaughter and the second met with alike fate. 
Then the spirit of the attackers flagged and action was 
slow. Santa Anna, by pursuasion and force, induced a 
•third attack and then Castrillion's men gained the upper 
part of the convent walls. Thus encouraged the Mexi- 
cans fought with vigor and had the strength of over- 
whelming numbers. Sometime after the doors of the 

51 



Alamo were forced open, and a breach was made in the 
southern walls. 

Then if there was ever a pandemonium on earth, it was 
there. After a prolonged fusilade which rent the air, 
huzzas of the fighters and shrieks of the wounding and 
dying, the contestants came ^o a hand to hand fight. 
The Texans fought like demons They discharged their mus- 
kets 'as long as the ammunition lasted and, being good 
marksmen, did so with telling effect. When the am- 
munition gave out the gun was used as a club and with 
great vigor and when broken or too close for such action 
with the gun, the trusty bo wie knife was used until the 
defenders were silenced by death. 

For minor details we have to go outside of that noble 
garrison for all the males were killed. Only the females 
were spared and these, probably, were huddled for safety, 
in some place, where they could see little, what was going 
on during the terrible battle. There are various con- 
flicting accounts of the death of the noble leaders, but 
after consideration of all. I prefer that of Francisco, (Pan- 
cho) Antonio Ruiz, son of Don Francisco Ruiz, a 
member of the Texas Convention, who declared the In- 
dependence of Texas and signed it. He was then Alcalde 
(mayor) of San Antonio. He says, among other things 
of lesser import, 

r;,*'On the 6th of March (1836) at 3 a. m., General Santa 
Anna at the head of 4000 men advanced against the Alamo. 
The infantry artillery and cavalry had formed about 1000 
varas from the walls of the said fortress. The Mexican • 
army charged and were twice repulsed by the deadly fire 
of Travis' artillery which resembled a constant thunder. 
At the third charge the Toluca battaUon commenceed to 

52 



scale the walls and suffered severly. Out of 830 men only 
130 were left stive." 

"When the Mexican army entered the walls, I with the 
political chief (Gefe poUtico) Don Ramon Musquiz and 
other members of the corporation, accompanied by the 
curate, Don Refugio de la Garza, who by Santa Anna's 
orders, had assembled during the night at a temporary 
fortification on Protero Street, with the object of attending 
the wounded etc. As soon as the storming commenced 
we crossed the bridge on Commerce street, with this ob- 
ject in view and about 100 yards from the same a party 
of Mexican dragoons fired upon us and compelled us to 
fall back on the river and the place we occupied before. 
Half an hour had elapsed when Santa Anna sent one of 
his aide decamps with an order for us to come before him. 
He directed me to call on some of the neighbors to come 
with carts to carry the (Mexican) dead to the cemetery 
and to accompany him as he was desirous to have Col. 
Travis, Bowie and Crockett shown to him." 

"On the north battery of the fortress convent, lay 
the lifeless body of Col. Travis on the gun carriage shot 
only through the forehead. Towards the west, and in a 
small fort opposite the city, we found the body of Col. 
Crockett. Col. Bowie was found dead in his bed in one of 
the rooms on the south side." 

"Santa Anna, after all the Mexican bodies had been 
taken out, ordered wood to be brought to burn the bodies 
of the Texans. He sent a company of dragoons with 
me to bring wood and dry branches from the neighboring 
forests. About three o'clock in the afternoon of March 
6, we laid the wood and dry branches upon which a pile 
of dead bodies were placed, more wood was piled on them 
and another pile of bodies was brought and in this man- 

53 



ner they were all arranged in layers. Kindling wood was 
distributed through the pile and about 5 o'clock in the 
evening it was lighted.' ' 

"The dead Mexicans of Santa Anna were taken to the 
grave yard, but not having sufficient room for them, I 
ordered some to be thrown in the river, which was done 
on the same day." 

* 'Santa Anna's loss was estimated at 1600 men. They 
were the jflower of his army." 

' 'The gallantry of the few Texans, who defended the 
Alamo was really wondered at by the Mexican army. 
Even the generals were astonished at their vigorous re- 
sistance and how dearly victory was bought." 

' 'The generals, who under Santa Anna participated in 
the storming of the Alamo were Juan Amador, Castrillion, 
Remirez, Sesma and Andrade." 

' 'The men (Texans) burnt were one hundred and 

eighty-two. I was an eye witness for as Alcalde of San 

Antonio, I, was with some of the neighbors, collecting the 

dead bodies and placing them on the funereal pyre. 

(Signed.) FRANCIS ANTONIO RUIZ. 

This document, which seems to have been overlooked by 
some Texas historians, was translated by J. A. Quintero, certi- 
fied by him and was published in the Texas Almanac for 
i860. It is valuable for the information that it gives 
which may be taken as official and authoritative. We 
have here the fact that Travis died on his cannon and 
in the discharge of his duty, that Crockett died in the 
same way and sold life dearly. The death of the 
invalided, Bowie confirms Senora Candalara's account 
of his death. She says that she was holding him up and 
giving him a drink of water when the Mexicans broke 
into his room and bayonetted him to death wounding her 

54 



on the chin and the scar of the wound remained till her 
death. 

It confirms the fact that the whole of the dead defen- 
ders of the Alamo were burnt to ashes in one grand funereal 
pyre, but it does not mention the exact locahty. Some 
think that it was on what we know as Alamo Plaza and 
others, that it was in front of what we know as St. Joseph's . 
Church. 

In my idea both accounts are incorrect. It cannot 
be conceived that the bloody and mutilated bodies would 
be unnecessarily handled by carrying them any distance ; 
and it will be noticed that Ruiz, in his report, especially 
mentions the taking out of the bodies of the Mexican 
soldiers. He never mentions m.ore than the piling of 
the bodies of Texans and the burning of them. It seems 
h^Tiost probable that the bodies were burned in courts or 
patio of the convent. And herein lies a pretty 
conceit. The ashes of the dead remained there a 
long time, any-way, owing to the troublesome days of 
Texas, and the batteied down walls allowed the free 
play of the southern zephyrs and ruder Boreas. The 
ashes of our honored dead may have been scattered 
around the Alamo and remain on its walls and mixed 
with the soil. In this way Texas has done well in pre- 
serving the entire Alamo Fortress, as originally laid out, 
for it thus becomes not only a nominal but the actual 
mausoleum, of the Alamo heroes and all the more worthy 
of veneration. 

Of the fate of Bonham nothing is said beyond that 
he died fighting for Texas, but we catch just a glimpse of 
Evans who was in charge of the ordinance at the Alamo. 
We are told, and it is not improbable, that as a last re- 
sort Evans was detailed to blow up the powder magazine 

55 



of the Alamo and so engulf the enemy in a common ruin 
and decimate Santa Anna's force. It is further said that 
Evans was in the act of doing so when he was shot down 
by Mexican soldiers and the remnant of the Alamo thus 
preserved. 

The great and brave are always liberal to a fallen foe 
but Santa Anna was really neither one nor the other. 
Not only did he mete out his terrible vengeance on the 
defenders of the Alamo and burn their bodies, 
but he, in his official capacity, slandered the memory of the 
the illustrious dead, by writing the following in his official 
report to the secretary of the Mexican Navy, dated March 
6th, 1836. 

' They (Mexicans) met with a stubborn resistance. 
The combat lasted for more than an hour and a half and 
the reserves had to be brought into action. The scen^ 
offered by this engagement was extraordinary. The 
men fought individually ,vieing with each other in heroism. 

After paying this deserved compliment to the Texan 
bravery, he adds the following, which he must have known 
to be wholly false: 

"More than 600 foreigners (meaning Texans) were 
buried in the ditches and entrenchments and a great 
many who had escaped the bayonets of the infantry, fell 
in the vicinity, under the sabres of the cavalry. 

"We lost about seventy men killed and three hundred 
wounded, among who were twenty-five officers." 

It will be observed that Santa Anna mentioned nothing 
of the burning of Texan bodies. 

He was probably ashamed of his cowardly cruelty to 
the honored Texan dead. It was certainly not a deed 
to be trumpeted to his credit. 

Alcade Ruiz says that one hundred and eighty-two 

56 



bodies of Texans were burned in his presence and 
that Santa Anna was then present. Thus the whole of 
defenders of the Alamo are accounted for as killed and 
burned. No one ever heard of any Texan of the Alamo, 
after the assault. The only parties who escaped were 
women and children and a Mexican servant. If Santa 
Anna had that 600 "buried in ditches and trenches they 
were his own men and that would show he falsified, when 
he represented his loss of killed and wounded. Alcade 
Ruiz, who was on the ground and was personally and 
officially acquainted with all the incidents of the time 
says "Santa Anna's loss was 1600." This was no doubt 
a conservative number for other accounts, say 2000 which, 
having regard to the nature of the assault and bravery 
of the defenders, was a fair estimate. Santa Anna would 
have gained more in history, by telling the truth, but 
such a report would not then have been so acceptable 
in the Mexican capital. 

It has been said that the charred remains of the gallant 
defenders of the Alamo were collected by Juan N. Seguin 
a faithful Mexican friend, of the Texans, placed in 
some vessel and secretly buried in the graveyard that 
then aside the old parish church, some say in front 
of the altar of the church, but if so all trace 
of the vessels has been lost. The cemetery has been twice 
removed, once to a site near the present market house 
and auditorium and later to its present site on the Alazan 
creek. And from all accounts no great care was taken in 
the removal of bodies except in special cases, in which 
descendants were personally interested. 

It has been said that "Thermopolae had its messenger 
of the defeat, but the Alamo had none." There is no 
question that the gallant garrison fell in its grand defence 

57 



but Mrs. Dickenson was the first to give an authoritive 
account of the fall of the Alamo and its terrible sequence. 
She was the wife of Lieut. Dickenson, who on the night 
previous to the fall of the Alamo, strapped one of his 
children to his body and in the hope of saving both lives 
jumped from the far east high window of the Alamo to the 
ditch below. A fusilade of the bullets announced his de- 
tection by Mexican spies or sentinels. Neither were seen 
or heard of afterwards and there is little doubt, but what 
both then perished. In addition to Mrs. Dickenson and 
her surviving child, afterwards known as "the child of the 
Alamo," there were in the Alamo at the time of its fall 
Mrs. Alsbury, one child and sister, Mrs. Concepcion Lo" 
soya, her daughter and two young sons and Mrs. Vitona 
de Saline and three girls. Madame Candaleria claims to 
been there as the nurse to Bowie and that he was killed 
while she was nursing him and accidently wounded at the 
time in proof of which she exhibited a scar, though some 
doubted her story for her knowledge of events were very 
meagre. An affidavit now in file in the Bexar County ar- 
chives, dated April 15th, 1837, shows that she then claimed 
land to which by the laws of the Texas repubhc, she was 
entitled to, but never secured and a few years ago the state 
granted the venerable old lady a pension she enjoyed until 
her death. Enrique Esparza, a Mexican claims to have 
been there as a boy and was spared. About twenty years 
ago, an old man named Cannon, came to the city and claims 
ed to have been in the Alamo, when a boy and was present 
at its fall. He said that his home was on what is now 
known as Losoya street and in the lot occupied by 
Fritz Piper, where, he said, several relatives were buried 
He told some extraordinary stories which were contra- 
dictory and not credited. He left soon and his stories ap- 
peared in several northern and eastern papers where he 

58 



visited in his wanderings, but he has not been heard of for 
years. 

The terrible scenes of the Alamo were destined to be of 
great advantage to Texas. Shakespeare has said. "There 
is a divinity that shapes our ends rough, hew them as 
we will." We know that often "Out of evil cometh 
good' ' and that ' 'the blood of the martyrs is the seed 
of the church." The blood of the Alamo patriots may 
truly be said to have been the seed of Texan liberty. 
And it is now a mighty fine tree! 

Santa Anna, flushed with his victory at the Alamo, went 
in search of Sam Houston, the honored patriot, who was 
supreme command of the Texan forces and expected 
meet him with a far superior force and one better equipped 
and by his defeat to crush the Texan rebellion which he 
would certainly have done had victory perched on his 
banner. 

The story of the Alamo and later still the dastardly 
massacre of prisoners at Goliad were the incitants needful 
for Texans. There were only two views, "Victory or 
Death," or worse still slavery and greater tyranny. Then 
came a better spirit of unison and a strengthening of 
forces. The army was a small one, but it consisted of men 
who were noble, brave and desperate and who fought for 
liberty, country and home, the most noble of all aspirat- 
ions for heroes. Houston and his forces retreated and in- 
creased strength and Santa Anna followed, despising the 
apparently puny Texan army and sanguine of success. 
The crisis came at San Jacinto on April 21, 1836, when the 
two armies were arrayed before each other. The Tex- 
ans abided their time, made a most desperate attack 
and came on the Mexicans like a tornado. The Mexicans 
fought well, but could not resist the desperate onslaught 

59 



of the Texans, they fell back, were routed and defeated, 
the field was strewn with the wounded and the slain and 
the waters engulfed many who tried to escape. Thus was 
Santa Anna's proud army practically annihilated and in twen» 
ty-four hours Santa Anna, who managed to escape from the 
field, was captured in disguise and stood a prisoner and 
suppHant for mercy before the wounded Texan hero, Sam 
Houston. 

The rest of the story is a natural sequence. Santa 
Anna concurred in the Texan aspiration for liberty and 
signed a treaty to that effect and Houston, in humane 
spirit, saved his Hfe though many clamored for the blood 
of the murderer of the brave men of the Alamo and Goliad 
and he, who had so tyrannically oppressed them. 

Thus Texas became a free and independent republic 
is now an honored state in our glorious union. 

The Alamo has been poetically called the cradle of Texan 
liberty and it is a truth in fact. It was the heroism of the 
Texas patriots there that inspired their compatriots and the 
cruelty of Santa Anna nerved them to desperation. The spirit 
of the Alamo martyrs led the San Jacinto heroes to victory 

Should we not then hold the Alamo as the most hallowed 
spot in this fair state and honor those who by their pa- 
triotism and bravery have made it famous? 

Though the Alamo is located in San Antonio and is in 
charge of the Daughters of the RepubHc of Texas it be- 
longs to the state and every Texan, no matter where he 
hails from, should have an equal pride and interest in it. 

To the old the Alamo should be a perpetual reminder of 
the glories of the past and an encouragement for the fu- 
ture and to the young, it should be a sweet story, often 
read, and an inspirer of spirit of patriotism which can- 
not fail to make them the best of citizens. 

60 



Honor the Alamo! Revere the memory ot those who 
bravely died that Texas might be free and let us do all 
possible to make it a grand and useful memorial to our 
illustrious dead. 

CHAS. H. STANFORD. 




61 



LIST OF HEROES 
KILLED IN THE ALAMO 



In the Texas Almanac for the year 1 860 was found a list of 
the Texan Heroes who defended the Alamo when it was beseiged by 
the Mexican Army commanded by General Santa Anna, and 
who all perished when that famous fortress was capturt^l, 
March 6, 1836. This list differs from many that are published, 
but is believed to be accurate, having been completed from 
of&cial and other authentic sources. 



NAME. 


RANK. 


WHERE FROM. 


W. Barrett Travis 


lyt.-Col., Comdr. 




Jatnes Bowie 


a n 




J. Washing-ton 


Colonel 


Tenn. 


J. B. Bonham 


Captain 


South Carolina 


— Forsyth 


it 


New York 


— Harrison 


it 


Tenn. 


W. Blazely 


it 


I^ouisiana 


W. C. M. Baker 


it 


Miss. 


W. R. Carey 


it 


Texas 


S. B. Evans 


a 


Miss. 


S. C. Blair 


tt 


Texas 


— Gilmore 


it 


Tenn. 


John Jones 


Lieutenant 




Almaron Dickinson 




Louisiana 


^: G. Baug-h 


Adjutant 




Chas. Despalier 


Aide to Travis 




Robert Eivans 


Master of Ordn'ce 


Ireland 


Klial Melton 


Ivt.Quartermast'r 




— Anderson 


Asst. 





Note. — In cases where initials are not g'iven and ** where from" is no 
named, such particulars are missing from official records. 



NAME. 



RANK. 



WHERE FROM 



— Burnell 

— Williamson 

D. Michison 
Atnos Pollard 

— Thompson 
Green B. Jamison 
David Crockett 
Ei. Nelson 

— Nelson 
W. H. Smith 
I^ewis Johnson 

E. T. Mitchell 

F. Desangue 

— Thruston 

— Moore 

Christopher Parker 
C. Huskell 

* — Rose 
John Blair 

— Kiddeson 
Wm. Wells 
Wm. Camming- 

— Valentine 

— Cochran 

R. W. Ballantine 
S. Halloway 
Isaac White 

— Day 

Robert Muselman 
Robert Crossman 
Richard Starr 
I. G. Garrett 
Robert B. Moore 
Richard Dimkin 
Wm. Ivinn 

— Hutchinson 



Asst. Qr. Master. 

Sergt. Major 

Surgeons 



Knsign 
Private 



Tennessee 

South Carolina 

Texas 



Georgia 

Pennsylvania 

Kentucky 

Mississippi 

Texas 



Tennessee 
Pennsylvania 



New Orleans 

England 
New Orleans 

England 
Mass. 



NAME. 


RANK. 


WHERE FROM. 


Wm. Johnson 


Private 


Penn. 


E. Nelson 








Geo. Tumlinson 








Wm. Deardoff 








Daniel Bourne 






England 


— Ingram 






*' 


W. T. Lewis 




* 


Wales 


Charles Zanco 






Denmark 


Jas L,. Ewing- 








Robert Cunningham 








S, Burns 






Ireland 


George Neggin 






South Carolina 


— Robinson 






Scotland 


— Harris 






Kentucky 


John Flanders 








Isaac Ryan 






Opelonsas, La. 


David Wilson 






Texas 


John M. Hays 






Tenn. 


— Stuart 








W. K. Simpson 








W. D. Sutherland 






Texas 


D. W. Howell 






New Orleans 


— Buttler 






(i (( 


Chas. Smith 








— Mc Gregor 






Scotland 


— Rusk 








— Hawkins 






Ireland 


Samuel Holloway 








— Brown 








T. Jackson 






Ireland 


Micaj Autrey 








Gregorio Esparza 






San Antonio 


— John 


Clerk to 1 


Desangue 





To this must be added the gjdiant contingent from Gonzales, who came to 
the reUef of Travis, after the Alamo was besieged, and perished with their comrades 
in its defense. Their names are as follows : 



NAME. 



Georgre C. Kimbell 
James Georgfe 
Dolphin Ward 
Thos. Jackson 
Geo. W. Cottle 
Andrew Kent 
Thos. R. Miller 
Isaac Baker 
Wra. Kingf 
Jesse McKoy 
Claiborne Wrig-ht 
W. Fishback 
Isaac Milsaps 
Albert Martin 
Galba Fuqua 
John Davis 
R. A. M. Thomas 
Wm. Fuhbaig-h 
John G. King- 
Jacob Durst 
M. L,. Sewell 
Robert White 
A. Devault 
John Harris 
David Kent 
W. EJ. Summers 



RANK. 



Lieutenant 

Sargeant 

Private 



WHERE FROM. 



Gonzales 



The only Rose in the defense is shown here, and is recorded as being killed 
at the Alamo. If he was killed he could not have escaped from the Alamo, 
prior to its fall, and could not, of course have told the story about Travis drawing 
the line as some one who claimed to be Rose, subsequently did. It may be that 
in the confusion and excitement of the times Rose did escape as he alleged and if 
so it is certainly more creditable to his prudence than his bravery or patriotism. It 
may also have been that the later Rose was an impostor, for many have made false 
claims to participation in the Alamo and its heroic fall and there are some who think 
this is so. 



DESCRIPTION OF 

THE ALAMO 



AND ITS 



HISTORIC POINTS 



BY 

HENRY RYDER-TAYLOR 



WITH 

AUTHENTIC DIAGRAM OF THE GROUNDS 
WHEN THE ALAMO FELL IN 1836 



Description Of The Alamo. 



The Alamo, which is located in San Antonio, is one of 
the most interesting buildings in the United States, by 
reason of its romantic history. It has been called — and 
fitly, too — the cradle of Texan liberty, for its gallant de- 
fence, and the horrible massacre of the heroic defenders 
was one of the main incentives to the glorious victory at 
San Jacinto, whereby Texas independence was surely ob- 
tained. 

The Alamo is one of the many missions established by 
the Franciscan fathers. These missions had a three-fold 
object — that of converting the Indians to the Catholic 
church, of educating settlers and defending them from at- 
tacks of hostile Indians, which were then a source of con- 
tinual menace. 

This mission was known as Mission del San Antonio de 
Valero, and was so called from St. Anthony of Padua and 
the Marquis de Valero, one of Spain's viceroys in Mex- 
ico. It is said to have been first established in the 
Cienega of the Rio Grande, then removed to Ildephonso 
and was afterwards retaken to the Rio Grande. In 1716 
it was located at San Antonio, first at San Pedro Springs, 
then in the Military Plaza, and finally in its present lo- 
cation. 

There are two dates on the Alamo 1744 and 1757. The 
first refers to the original building and the latter to the 
Alamo church which was rebuilt after the collapse. 

From whence the name of Alamo was derived is also a 

65 



matter of speculation. Alamo is the Spanish name for 
Cottonwood (a species of poplar), and these trees shaded 
the Alamo. It was not unnatural that the name was so 
derived. Another account, however, says that the first 
garrison came from Fort Alamo de Parras, in the Mexican 
state of Coahuila, and gave it the same name. Any way 
the building has long been known under that name. 

The mission was secularized by royal edict in 1744. 
Though now in the heart of the city, it was then on the 
eastern outskirts, and was an ideal place for such a fortress 
as it then become. 

But prior to seculiarization it was unquestionably oc- 
cupied by priests of the Franciscan order; mass was said 
the usual religious services were conducted. Traces of 
this are apparent in many places. 

The Alamo as we see it to-day. is quite a different thing 
to what it was in its original form, and in the memorable 
days of 1835-6, as the plan published herein well shows. 
It was a fortress in a sense, but an imperfect one, though 
formidable in those days. The Alamo church and con- 
vent were enclosed in a wa 1 that was eight feet high 
and two and one half feet in breadth. This wall ex- 
tended on the North away down Avenue D, and the pres- 
ent post office is included in the boundary. On the West side 
it came to the side walk of Alamo Plaza as it now exists. On 
the south side it ran to the circle of the now ornamental 
garden of Alamo Plaza and on the east side it extended 
to the ditch. The enclosure was calculated to accommo- 
date one thousand men. It was evident that with such 
•an expanse to guard, that Travis' small band would find 
great trouble in doing it. Within this structure was the 
two storied convent building, long and narrow with fiat 
Alamo church and the roof for defense in' military opera- 

66 



tions. It had a double arched gallery and in it were bar- 
racks, work rooms, living rooms, etc. There was con- 
siderable land behind, but little available for defense. The 
fortress was regarded as being the best means of defense. 

It is, however, feared that although the records show 
that Cos and Travis placed the Alamo a state of defense, it 
was not a strong or good one, except for its solid walls. 

The Alamo in its eclesiastical sense, and as it 
was originally designed, was apparently quite an- 
other building, if we credit tradition and the logical de- 
duction from the design. It appears that the Alamo 
bore remarkable resemblance to the Mission Concepcion 
and was built upon a similar, if not on the same plan. 
There was an ornamental front, as the ruins now show, 
and two towers at the northern and southern end of the 
front and in the centre was a belfry, which was used as a 
call to mass and for the purpose of raising alarm on the 
approach hostile Indians. That church collapsed in 1757 
and then the present church was erected. This later 
church was laid out in the form of a cross and over the 
jointure of the arms was a large moresque dome. The altar 
was naturally at the eastern end. There was an arched 
ceiling supported by massive pillars and the roofing, was of 
the gravel kind. At the west end was a gallery. There is no 
record of nuns in the convent, but it is quite easy to see 
that they could have attended mass by passing through the 
north upper room to the gallery from the convent and in 
that case the gallery would be latticed so that the nuns 
could see and not be seen as is often the 
case, in continental Europe and especially in Spain. 
The probability, however, seems that the gallery 
was used for a choir and maybe for Indian 
prisoners that the clergy would not deprive^of the bless- 

C7 



ings of the mass. The first room on the south side, going 
west from the altar was the sacristry and when Travis 
was beseiged it was used as a powder magazine. The se- 
cond room westward held the perpetual light and an- 
alcove of stone, worn considerably, shows where it was 
located. This place, it is said, was used as a burial ground 
and many of the Franciscans fathers are buried here. At 
the western end of the church are four small rooms and their 
use is not quite understood. They were probably used 
as cells, confessional boxes or for some other church pur- 
poses. In the room on the northwest corner it is general 
credited that Bowie lay, when sick, and here he met his 
tragic death. In the southwest corner room, it is supposed, 
was the font for christening. In 1878, an elegantly 
carved font was unearthed, which is said to have been 
used for baptisims, but long before that another font was 
found and a multilated statue which, it is supposed, oc- 
cupied one of the niches at the side of the main en- 
trance of the Alamo. These later relics are in possession 
of Mr. W. C. Freeman. 

What a strange contrast the Alamo has presented. At 
first the mass was said, in all its solemnity . There was 
glory to God on the highest and on earth, peace and good 
will towards men. The time passed and the old church 
instead of being a heaven of peace, became the hot bed 
of bloody war. 

The fall of the Alamo left the old church in a mutilated, 
ruined and bad condition, and strange to say it was neg- 
lected as an old building of no account, until 1849, when 
Major E. B. Babbitt, in the name of the United States, 
took possession of it, to use as a quartermaster's depart- 
ment. He found the old building roofless -and filled with 
debris so that any could walk from the floor to the top of 

68 



of the walls. There was a general cleaning in which two 
bodies were found, said to be victims of the fall of the 
Alamo. Then the roof was fixed as it now exists and 
considerable, lumber alteration were added, notably a 
second story from where the original gallery had been. 
The United States used this as the quartermaster depart- 
nxent till the war. Then the Confederates put it to the 
same use. At the close of the war the United States again 
occupied it and remained there until the department was 
removed to Fort Sam Houston. 

During Major Babbitt's command there was a contro- 
versy between the city and the Roman Catholic Church 
as to its ownership, and the city sued Bishop Odin for the 
possession of the property. The appellate court gave 
judgment in favor of the bishop. 

Later the church leased the property to Honore Grenet, 
who used it as a warehouse for stock and refuse. 

Under the act of April 23, 1883, the state purchased the 
Alamo Church property, paying $20,000 for it, and placed 
the Alamo in custody of the city of San Antonio on con- 
dition that it should care for it and pay a custodian for 
that purpose. The city then removed all the lumber work 
that Mayor Babbitt and others erected, and otherwise clear- 
ed the building and placed it in the form that it is now 
seen, presenting a far more agreeable view and something 
more hke the structure of 1757 though so ruined, and 
changed. 

This system continued until January 25, 1905, when 
the Texas Legislature passed a resolution ordering the 
governor to purchase that part of the old Alamo fortress, 
occupied by the Hugo andSchmehzer Company for $65,000 
and it was further ordered that the governor should deliver 
the property thus acquired, with the property now owned 
by the State, (the chapel of the Alamo) to the Daughters 

69 



of the Republic of Texas, to be maintained by them in 
good order and repair, without charge to the state, as a 
sacred memorial to the heroes, who immolated themselve- 
on that hallowed ground, to maintain and remodel it, pro- 
vided that no changes be made in the Alamo Church 
proper except such as are absolutely necessary ; all of 
the said property being subject to future legisla- 
tion. 

Governor Lanham on October 4, 1905, signed a deed, 
based an the resolution of the legislature deeding all of 
the old fortress of the Alamo, thus secured. The Daugh- 
ters of the Republic have now charge of the Alamo 
and must provide for all necessary expenses. Their plans are 
lofty and they must rely on patriotic Texas for aid. The 
main idea is to remove the Hugo and Schmeltzer building 
which crowds and obscures the Alamo and to arrange the 
vacant grounds so that the Alamo can be well shown pro- 
minently, restore the convent building as it was originally 
and to be used as a museum. To do this patriotic Texans 
will be required to put up the necessary funds and there 
is little doubt the Daughters of the Repubhc of Texas will 
secure all the funds needed for this laudable purpose. If 
not the state legislature will be called upon to provide for 
the completion of the good work. If any visitor feels in- 
cHned to contribute to the necessary funds it is needless to 
say that such contributions will be thankfully received by 

the Daughters of the Republic of Texas 

H. R-T. 



70 



THE ALAMO IN 1 762 




COMPILED FROM THE RECORDS 

OF AN EYE WITNESS AND 

OTHER SOURCES 



The Alamo In 1 762, 



THERE seems to be no doubt that he Alamo as we 
see it to-day is not the Alamo that was originally 
founded, though it is probable that the same facade may 
have been in the same condition when it fell under San- 
ta Anna's memorable charge. 

We get a gUmpse of the Alamo from a description of 
the Mission San Antonio de Valero, as seen in 1762, as 
appears in ''The Makers of History," and from remines- 
cence and legends. The former details are from the 
pen of one who was an eye witness to what he saw and 
is credible. 

From these accounts it would appear that at that time 
(1762) the Alamo was then a stately structure, about 150 
varas square, located within a stone wall fence. 

There was no doubt that the intention was to make 
this the principal mission of Texas ; recognizing that in 
every way it was adapted to be the chief city of the 
province, and no money or labor was spared to 
make it so. The prescience of the founders is justified 
by the present state of the Alamo city. 

The statement is made that the foundation stone of 
the Alamo was laid on May 8th, 1744, and the building 
was completed in 1757, but from all accounts it was of 
quite a different style to what we now see. It was more 
of the order of Mission Concepcion, had two large tow- 
ers and a mosque dome, and the facade was elaborately 
carved — probably by Huica. 



When seen by this eye witness the church had col- 
lapsed — probably from faulty foundations and bad archi- 
tecture — and another church was being erected of hewn 
stone, and of pleasing architecture. In the mean time 
religious services were being held in the granary. 

It is quite clear that the new church was erected, and 
there is nothing to show that was not the Alamo, as we 
see it to-day. The new form was plain and simple, with 
ornate trimmings, Hke many missions on the Pacific 
coast. 

The convent section, that which is now occupied by 
Hugo-Schmeltzer Company building, was a prominent 
feature. It was a two story building connected with the 
church grounds and historically is equally as important 
as the old church. It had arcades to the upper and low- 
er stories — galleries with arched fronts. There were domes 
arising above the gallery at each of the four corners, 
and there were parapets between the domes. It was on 
the western parapet, beside a gun, that Travis fell. There 
were large gates, leading to the interior, over which was a 
tower with embrasures, fitted with three cannon, and also 
with fire arms and ammunition. There was an inner 
court or patio with arched galleries. No mention is made 
of a garrison at that time and it is supposed that the Alamo 
was garrisoned later. 

In the convent were the living rooms of the Franciscan 
fathers; dining room, kitchen and other offices. The 
porter had his lodge, which was no doubt on the inside of 
the gate. All the rooms were ornamented with religious 
designs and fixtures. 

In the second court there was well located the facto- 
ry, a large room in which there were four looms. Here 
the fathers, assisted by friendly Indians, wove fabrics of 

74 



cotton and wool shawls, blankets and other necessities. 
There were two other rooms, in which were stocks of wool 
and cotton, and other supplies. 

It would appear that some Indians Hved in the con- 
vent. Probably these were those educated for necessary 
work in the interioi of the convent. ;• Most of the Indians 
were on the outside raising cotton and corn and other 
necessities. 

The ruin of the convent and damage to the church is 
easily understood. When the Alamo fell and Santa Anna 
went out to meet Houston's force and vanquish it, he 
left General Andrade in charge with 400 men. Santa 
Anna's orders were to fortify the Alamo and make it im- 
pregnable for fear he should miss the Texans and they 
would try to recapture it. This order was being obeyed 
when Santa Anna was defeated at San Jacinto. Then 
Andrade received orders, probably from Santa Anna before 
his capture, to demolish the fort and join the remnant of 
the Mexican army at GoHad. Andrade is recorded as 
having spent two days in his work of demolition and to 
have confined his main efforts to the convent. The four 
hundred men, it was said, almost raized the structure, and 
even its foundation could only barely be traced. 

This is what some historians tell us it is quite probable 
that the convent was then materially damaged by An- 
drade 's men but there are good citizens living to-day who 
say and are willing to swear that the convent walls existed 
long after and that they played within them. There are 
others now living that say Grenet in building his grocery 
store, simply repaired and raised those walls, adding then 
the castellated, mimic structure that disfigured it until 
the Storm King carried it away. 

Whether the original walls of the convent remained or 

75 



not, there is no question that all that is contained therein 
should be sacred. The present lines any way mark the 
boundary line of the old convent and its confines are most 
historic. It was in the old convent that the Texan heroes 
were mainly quartered ; it was here that Santa Anna made 
his main attack and it was here that Travis fell aside a 
cannon. It may be assumed, logically, that it was the 
scene of the main battle, for it is impossible to conceive 
that the large Mexican army and the Texan patriots could 
have fought in the limited confines of the Alamo church. 
The truth hes in the fact that the battle commenced in the 
convent and the last desperate scene ended in the old 
church. 

It seems too equally clear that the bodies of the Texan 
patriots were burned in the convent courts and that it is 
really the mausoleum of our honored dead. 

The Daughters of the Republic of Texas are united in the 
idea of making a grand monument to the Texan patriots, 
but they are somewhat divided as to the way of doing it. 
Some would restore the church and the arcaded convent in 
all its original beauty, making a grand whole of the Alamo 
fort as it was originally, and there is no doubt that It 
would make a pretty and effective restoration, affording 
ample room for the museum and other attractive fea- 
tures. On the other hand there are others who believe that 
the present convent building should be torn down and the 
space it occupies thrown open, making a pretty park and 
garden that would display the Alamo church only as the 
sole object of interest. This would be pretty, no doubt, 
but it would ignore the convent — an older and equally im- 
portant portion of the Alamo. 

The property is deeded by the state to^ the Daughters of 
the Republic of Texas, subject to future legislation, and it 

76 



may be fairl}^ hoped that all will be settled on an equitable 
and honorable basis in public interests. 

Anyway church suffered less, probably because of religious 
superstition inculcated by the Roman Catholic church, 
that the church is the house of God and anathema be to 
those who would despoil it. The Mexicans then, as now, 
were very superstitious. 

The convent and the church are one and the same. It 
was in both that the Alamo heroes met their Mexican 
foes, and in both their blood was shed for liberty and 
the independence of Texas. And the State has done 
wisely to secure the ownership of the church and con- 
vent, and place it in charge of those noble ladies — 
Daughters of the Repubhc of Texas — who will see that 
it is carefully kept and made a grand memorial to the 
dead patriots who hallowed it with their Hfe-blood, and 
in death gave birth to Texan liberty and independence. 
They may differ a little in the way of doing it, but all be- 
ing interested in the great work and feeling their responsi- 
bility, will find a satisfactory solution of the difficulties 
presented in their laudable attempt to do their duty. 
And those who are true Texans, and the admirers of 
Texas, will gladly co-operate w th the ladies in their grand, 

noble and patriotic work. 

H. R-T. 



77 



V 



The Four Missions 



AND 



San Fernando Cathedral 



v 



The Old Missions. 



THERE is something peculiar in the antiquity and pur- 
port of the missions that are around San Antonio, 
and in other places on this western hemisphere. They are 
really of divine origin and a sequence of the command of 
the Savior to go into all lands and preach the GospeL This 
command was obeyed by His disciples, carried on by His 
followers and to this missionary work is due the conversion 
of the greater part of Europe to Christianity. 

The missionary work of this hemisphere is mainly due 
to the Franciscans, a religious order founded by San Fran- 
cis of Assisi. 

When Spain commissioned Columbus to find the El Do- 
rado on the West and a new way to the Indies, the Pope 
sanctioned and blessed the expedition on condition that 
wherever it might plant a flag, zeal should be used for the 
promotion of the Christian religion and the Franciscans, 
for that reason, accompanied the expedition; and there 
were not only clerics but Franciscans who carried a sword 
in one hand and a Bible in the other. The same condi- 
tions prevailed in the Cortez expedition to Mexico and in 
other adventures of a like character, therefore wherever 
the flag of Spain was planted the cross was prominently 
displayed and honored in reUgious celebrations. 

The Franciscans were zealous in their missionary work 
among the natives and, when a Spanish settlement was 
made, they would, after founding their mission work there, 
expand their field of operations and establish another mis- 

81 



sion dedicated to an honored saint. These made what 
was then a good fortification and protection from tribes of 
Indians, adversed to the Christian converts, and gave the 
means of safe religious and secular instruction. Such is 
the origin and intent of the missions that we see around 
us and are found in many other places. 

The most most prominent of the missions in or near San 
Antonio is 

THE ALAMO 

but it is not the oldest and as it has been dealt with in all 
its phases in other parts of this volume there is no neces- 
sity for further comment. 

The Alamo, standing prominently and alone, the other 
missions, in proportion to their distance, are designated 
as the First Mission, Second Mission, Third Mission and 
Fourth Mission, though each have their individual and ec- 
clessiastical titles. 

FIRST MISSION. 

This is designated as the Mission de la Nuestra Senora de 
la Concepcion La Purissima de Acuna., so named in honor 
of the Virgin and Juan de Acuna, Marquis de Casa Fuertes, 
Viceroy of Mexico in 1722, but it is commonly known as 
the Mission Conception. Official records show that it was 
founded in 17 16 and moved to its present site in 1730, but 
tradition has it that the corner stone was laid by Father 
Begara and Captain Perez in March, 1731. It is located 
on the left bank of the San Antonio River and about two 
miles from the city, and was, of course founded by the 
Franciscans. 

The architecture is severely plain, though massive and 
imposing, and evidently of a moresque idea. There are 
two prominent towers which can be seen for miles around, 

82 



one of which was used for sacred vestments and other ar- 
ticles, and the other as a baptistery in which there was an 
altar and signs of various religous emblems. There are 
also traces of highly colored decorations in purple, orange 
and blue. The mission is of the cruciform design and the 
main entrance is at an interesting door between the two 
towers that is surmounted by a triangular facade, no doubt 
indicative of the Trinity. The auditorium is not large but 
lighted bv a dome of singular beauty. 

The mission was no doubt built of limestone, got in the 
vicinity, which is soft and easy to work but hardening on 
exposure to the air. It was originally surrounded by walls 
for defence and has barracks for accommodation of sol- 
diers, of which traces remain, and granary for the storing 
of the crops of friendly Indians, who raised them in the 
adjacent lands. The acequia (ditch) running through the 
lands, gave an irrigation that added to the fruitfulness of 
the soil. 

It was at this mission, on Oct. 28, 1835, that Col. James 
Bowie and Capt. J. W. Fannin, with 90 Texans, were sur- 
prised by a large detachment of the Mexican army (400 
men) , which surrounded them on three sides with the river 
to the rear. A fierce encounter ensued in which the Mexi- 
cans were defeated and fled to San Antonio, with a loss of 
60 killed and 40 wounded. The Texans only lost one man, 
Robert Andrews. This was a good omen for it was the 
first fight between the Texan colonists and the Mexican 
troops. 

There is one point of peculiar Interest. It is said that 
the Alamo was originally of the same, or similar design, to 
the Mission Concepcion. The alteration to the present de- 
sign was made after the collapse of the first Alamo church. 

It may be added that the roof of this mission is of a pe- 

83 



culiar character and the view from it of the surrounding 
country is picturesque and interesting. 

THE SECOND MISSION. 

lies on the right bank of the San Antonio River, about four 
miles from the city. This Mission is styled La Mission de 
San Jose de Aguayo, and is named in honor of St. Joseph 
and Governor Aguayo, one of the Spanish governors of the 
province of Texas, but, in brief, as Mission San Jose. It 
was began in 1723 but not completed until 173 1. 

This is the most beautiful of all missions, for here are 
the elaborate carvings of the celebrated Spanish sculptor, 
Juan Huica, who was sent here by the King of Spain to 
execute that work. 

The main entrance, with grand facade, was carved in 
bold relief. On that side were fine statues of the Virgin, 
San Jose, San Benedict, San Augustine and San Francis- 
co. Crowning this was a representation of the Immacu- 
late Concepcion, cherubs, heads, sacred^hearts and concho 
shape canopies. These carvings were not only beautifully 
artistic but they are reahstic. 

The remarkable window above the archway with its 
beautiful wreath, graceful lines and boldness is still in good 
preservation and has been pronounced by visiting con- 
noisseurs as the finest specimen of church windows extant > 

There is only one tower. It is 68 feet high and is in 
Gothic style. It has four look-out windows and a pyra- 
midical stone roof. 

In the south wall of the large chapel is a round tower. 
In it was a spiral staircase leading to the belfry which had 
solid hewn, wooden steps. 

There was a spacious dome, but it fell in with a thun- 
dering crash in 1868. Most of the large stone roof and 
part of the north wall has since been destroyed, 

84 



The entrance to the chapel is from a wing of the cloisters 
on the south side and the arch and sides stones are artisti- 
cally carved in bass relief, angels heads being presented in 
each side. 

In this chapel a window of even greater beauty is found 
on the south side, which is noted for its elaborate carving; 
and graceful scroll work. There is a peculiar harmony in 
the work that excites general admiration and the more it 
is examined the greater is the appreciation of this master- 
piece of Huica. 

The cedar doors were most elaborately carved but much 
has been destroyed bv vandals and visitors. Enough, how- 
ever, remains to bear testimony to the artistic merits of the 
sculptor and to give a good idea of the greatness of the 
work. 

THE THIRD MISSION 

is the Mission de San Juan Capistrano, commonlv called 
Mission San Juan, and is located on the right bank of the 
San Antonio River, six miles below the city. It was nam- 
ed after a Franciscan friar who was born at Caspistrano, 
Italy, in 1386. 

This mission was erected in 1731 and differs from all 
others in the plainness and simplicity of its architecture. 

The tower consisted of three open arches and in the 
middle arch, which alone remains, a bell is hung. 

The chapel is roofless with the exception of one small 
room, and here are traces of crude frescoing. 

The mission had its walls and grannaries, but little re- 
mains to tell of its former greatness and utility but the 
ruins of the church and monestary which have yielded 
much to the decaying hands of time. 

85 



THE FOURTH MISSION 

is on the San Antonio River, about nine miles from the 
city. It is ecclessiastically styled the Mission San Fran- 
cisco de la Espada. It was established about the same 
time as the other missions, first on the Medina River and 
then, in 1730, on its present site. 

In this locality was originally the site ef the first Span- 
ish mission, according to the report of the Count Revillo- 
Gigido, Viceroy of Mexico to the King of Spain, dated Dec. 
27, 1793. From that account it appears that in 1689 Don 
Alfonso de Leon, Governor of Coahuila, visited the site of 
San Antonio for the first time in returning from an expe- 
dition to drive out La Salle, and was so pleased with it and 
the people (Indians) that he established a mission here and 
placed it in charge of Fra Damien Marquenet. It was 
first called the Mission de San Francisco de Tegas, but 
Governor Domingo de Teran, visiting here in 169 1, caused 
the name of the mission to be changed to the Mission de 
San Francisco de la Espada. What was the form or ex- 
tent of this mission there is no record, but it seems to have 
been abandoned in 1693 and all trace of the old mission is 
lost. It was only in 1 7 16 that the work to re-estabHsh 
the mission commenced. 

Both the old and new missions were, it will be seen, 
named in honor of St. Francis of Assisi, the founder of the 
monastic order of the Franciscans. The "de la Espada" 
has reference to the time when St. Frances was debating, 
after illness, whether he should become a soldier of the 
cross or of his country. 

The architecture of the present mission is as plain as 
that of the Third Mission. 

The tower has three open arches and bells are hung in 

86 



■-^ 



each, and three times each day they are heard bv all in the 
vicinity. 

The door of the chapel is unique and supposed to be of 
the Moorish character. 

The enclosing walls are still seen and projecting from 
them is a small, round tower. Near the base of this are 
three round cannon holes and at eight feet from the ground 
are seven musket holes. There is no doubt that in those 
days it was a formidable protection against hostile Indians. 

This present mission has been somewhat restored but the 
front of it is in its original condition. 

And the old is sweetly blended with the new. Its pas- 
tor, the Rev. Father Boucher, who has been in charge for 
forty years and loves the mission as if it were a child, 
holds service as was done when the mission was first es- 
tablished. The veteran father is as energetic as he is en- 
thusiastic, and with his own hands has built a comfortable 
priest 's house in the walls of the old convent. 

It was here that the Texan colonists first encamped on 
their way to attempt the capture of San Antonio, but they 
later moved nearer the city and sojourned at the Mission 
Concepcion. 

FRANCISCANS PRACTICAL WORKERS 

Of course the first main object of the Franciscan was to 
give spiritual instructions, but they went farther and gave 
the Christian Indians practical instructions in farming and 
in the best way of living and raising crops. They incul- 
cated irrigation, so much appreciated now, and this was 
done by acequias (ditches) and with water drawn from the 
river nearby ; and the crops were protected from the mau- 
rading Indians by the mission granneries. A well supply- 
ing pure drinking water was at each mission. Thus there 
was around the missions large colonies of good, prosperous 

87 



Indians. The reverend fathers were fathers indeed, not 
only in spiritual matters but in their worldly affairs, and 
an affectionate bond existed, as it should do, between the 
pastor and his people to their mutual advantage. 

SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL 

This sacred edifice, though not exactly a mission, partook 
greatly of the mission characteristics in its pristine days. 
It was the old parish church and was built by pubHc sub- 
scription May 13, 1734. 

It was erected on the Plaza de los Islas (now Main Plaza) 
wherein the original Spanish settlers, who came from the 
Canary Islands, were located, and the rear end was in the 
Plaza de Armes (Military Plaza) where the military garri- 
son had its quarters. On either side of it was the First 
Catholic Cemetery. This was afterwards moved to a site 
that now fronts Santa Rosa hospital and, later, transferred 
to the Alazan. 

It was from the roof of this church that Santa Anna 
fired on the Alamo before its memorable fall, and where 
his red flag, indicating ''no mercy to the beseiged," 
fluttered in the breeze. 

The only part of the old church that still remains is the 
rear section that fronts the city hall. This is in a good state 
of preservation. Its massive octagon shaped walls and 
beautiful dome indicate that the old church was of the 
moresque style of architecture and was unquestionably a 
handsome building for those days. 

In 1868 it was decided to enlarge the parish church and 
and convert it into a cathedral for the new diocese. The 
old front was torn away and the present front was erected 
but for a long time it was not completed according to 
the original design. Recently, however, a second tower 
has been added, the statue of San Fernando was placed in 



the vacant niche and the facade materially and artistically 
improved. A beautiful chime of bells was added to the 
tower and the bells ring out at morn, noon and eve. 

One of the main objects of interest is the beautiful carv- 
ed pulpit. It was rescued from Mission San Jose and is 
one of the treasures of the church. There are also some 
fine altars in memory of distinguished citizens. 

It is a matter of ancient report that the ashes of the he- 
roes of the Alamo, so dastardly burned by Santa Anna, 
were buried in the church, but all efforts to locate them 
have failed. 

The cathedral, under the bishop, is practically in charge 
of the Franciscan brotherhood and the members work on 
the lines of the old Franciscan missionaries. 

The congregation of the cathedral are mainly Spanish 
and Mexicans, and that they are devout is attested by the 
large congregations at each service. 

The good work of the Franciscan pioneers has yielded a 
rich harvest to the Catholic church and endeared the 
brethren to the memory of the faithful. 




89 



HOW 
THE ALAMO 

AND 

CONVENT GROUNDS 

WERE PURCHASED 

BY THE STATE 



The Convent Purchased. 



WHEN the Alamo Church became the property of the 
state, it was badly obscured by the commercial lum- 
ber structure, that was subsequently built on a part 
of the old convent yard which figured so prom- 
inently in the fall of the Alamo. 

Honore Grenet in building his store on that part of the 
site erected two large and mimic towers, perhaps infused 
with patriotism and as an advertising feature. He call- 
ed it the Alamo, had its roof in castellated form and towers 
with mimic, formidable looking guns. The elements, were 
kind and, in an unusual storm, for this section the towers 
and mimic guns were blown away and there was no gen- 
eral mourning for the loss. 

There is in Texas a grand organization of ladies that are 
known as the Daughters of the RepubHc of Texas. The 
members are ladies who are lineally descended to those 
who fought for the freedom of Texas. The San Antonio 
chapter is named after De Zavala, a Spaniard who was 
a firm friend of the Texan patriots and his distinguished 
grandaughter, Miss Adina De Zavala, is now at the 
head of it. Miss De Zavala is a hard and enthusias- 
tic worker and devoted her time, energies and limited 
means heartily to the good cause. Other ladies have 
worked hard and honorably to memoralize the dead 
and to inculcate the spirit of patriotism in the liv*- 
ing. To the De Zavala Chapter San Antonio owes the 
monument to Ben Milam, the marking with marble slabs, 

93 



the most interesting historic points and to the maintai- 
nance of interest in the events of the past. 

The Daughters of the RepubUc decided that, whereas 
the state had 'secured the Alamo church it should also 
secure the remaining part of the old fortress, which was 
then occupied by Hugo-Schmeltzer Co. Such a property 
in the heart of the city was valuable — most valuable — but 
the ladies proposed to acquire it, to tear down the hideous 
structure, restore the convent to its original form with its 
moresque arched gallery, convert it into a historical mus- 
eum and put ornate gardens in the old court making it a 
grand memorial to the martyrs of the Alamo. 

The Daughters of the Republic began to work, and with 
heart and soul, to attain their object, but they soon found 
they had a hard row to hoe. Collecting money, even for 
a most worthy cause, is usually a slow and thankless task. 
The daughters worked hard. Judge Clarence Martin and 
others worked well, aided them, but the funds came in 
slowly and the outlook was by no means encouraging. 

In a trade for good property sympathy and patriotism 
do not count much. The main factors are dollars and 
cents and those are needed for business. Then came Miss 
Clara DriscoU with a heart of love, youthful enthusiasm 
and the means to do good and she worked with the 
daughters with all possible ardor. 

The De Zavala Chapter of the Daughters of the Repub- 
lic of Texas were grateful for her timely aid and appointed 
Miss DriscoU chairman and treasurer of the Alamo Mission 
fund. Notes that had been made for payment became due 
and there was not the required funds in the treasury and 
they must be met or the property lost for there were prvi- 
ate individuals who were anxious to acquire the property 
for an hotel site and even at a much higher price. Then 

94 



Miss Driscoll generously advanced the balance of the funds 
needed for the purchase of the convent grounds. The 
deed was made to her personally but it recited that it was 
purchased for the Daughters of the Republic of Texas. 

The state legislature on January 25, 1905, on motion of 
Fergus 0'Kyle,appropriated$65,ooo for the purchase of the 
Hugo-Schmeltzer Co. property, appropriating $25,000 for 
the first year and $40,000 for the second year, 1906, The 
current payments were to pay the financial obligation to 
Miss Driscoll and the remainder of the appropriation was 
to pay the balance of the purchase money. Miss Driscoll 
is delighted to have been the means of securing the prop- 
erty for the Daughters of the Republic of Texas and that 
it will be preserved by the state. And the people have 
well shown hearty appreciation of her laudable patriotism. 

Under the resolution for the purchase of the property 
Miss Clara Driscoll conveyed all her right title and interest 
in the property to the state as did the mayor, Bryan 
Callaghan, the Roman Catholic Church by Bishop For- 
est and the executers of Mrs. Gallagher. The state then, as 
per resolutions deeded, not only the Hugo-Schmeltzer Co., 
property, recently purchased, but also the Alamo Church 
purchased by the State in 1883, and then nominally in 
custody of the City of San Antonio, to the Daughters of 
the Republic of Texas to be maintained in good order and 
repair without charge to the state as a sacred memorial 
to the heroes, who perished on the hallowed ground, to be' 
maintained and remodelled, provided that no changes be 
made in the Alamo church proper but such as be absolute- 
ly necessary ; all of the said property to be subject to 
future legislation. 

Thus the whole of the Alamo fortress is in charge of the 
Daughters of the Republic of Texas and is in of the best 

95 



care. Let us honor the good work these patriotic ladies 
have done and let us aid the Daughters of the Repubhc 
in making the Alamo the grandest monument for the 
greatest heroes of the world — the men, who died that we 
might be free, independent of foreign tyranny and have 
peace and prosperity within the borders of the Lone Star 
State 

HENRY RYDER-TAYLOR 




% 



INDEX, 



ALAMO, THE : Object, original name, two buildings 
have been erected on the same site, 65; Date of 
foundations, derivation of the names and secu- 
larization, 66; Contemporaneous description of 
present building in 1762, 73 ; Plan of the Alamo as 
in 1836 in relation to modern aspects, 63; John 
A. Beckman's drawing of the Alamo as it existed 
in 1840 (illustration), 41; Gentilz' picture of the 
fall of the Alamo (illustration) 38; Used as a 
fortress by Mexican and Texan colonists, 77 ; Mex- 
ican General Santa Anna arrives in Texas with 
large and select army to subdue "rebellious Texans" 
and proceeds to San Antonio, 45; Texans, under 
Cols. Travis and Bowie, retire to the Alamo and 
fortify it, 45; What Sam Houston ordered and 
what was rejected, 45-46; Santa Anna established 
head-quarters in the city, floats the blood red flag 
and bombards the Alamo with guns mounted on 
San Fernando Cathedral, Texans reply but rarely 
reserving fire, 46; Travis sends to Goliad and to 
provisional government for reinforcements and 
ammunition, 47 ; Thirty- two men arrive from Gon- 
zales and succeed in entering the Alamo, 47 ; Tra- 
vis' last appeal to the provisional government, 
47-49; ''I shall never surrender or retreat." A 
sunrise gun shall announce the safety of the Ala- 
mo, 49; No aid arrives, 49; The story of Travis' 



proposed surrender denied and Rose's fairy tale 
of the line repudiated, 49-50 ; Santa Anna's forces 
make an assault on the Alamo and is repulsed with 
terrific slaughter, as Sergeant Bercera's account 
proves, 51-52; By superior numbers and better 
equipments Santa Anna's force makes breaches in 
the Alamo fortress and scales walls of the convent 
grounds, 51-52; Alcalde (mayor) Ruiz, contem- 
porary account of a visit to the Alamo same 
day as it fell, proves finding of some of the Texas 
leaders' bodies, that all the Texan defenders were 
killed and their bodies burned in one grand holo- 
caust by Santa Anna's orders, 52-54; Where this 
occurred, 55; Were the ashes burned? 57; Plan to 
blow up the Alamo frustrated by Evans' death, 55 ; 
Santa Anna's false report of the fall of the Ala- 
mo, 56; Lieut. Dickenson tries to escape from the 
Alamo with his child and both are killed, 58; 
Females and non-combatants spared at the fall of 
the Alamo, 58; The names of the survivors, real 
and alleged, 58; Long left a ruin, the Alamo is 
made habitable and used by the United States and 
the Confederacy as quartermaster's department, 
69; Roman Catholic church's claim to the Alamo 
church and convent grounds sustained by appellate 
court, 69 ; H. Grenet purchases the convent grounds 
and erects a store there, using the original walls, 
as far as possible, and placing mimic wooden tow- 
ers and guns on them, also leases the Alamo church 
as a warehouse, 69, 93; The State purchases the 
Alamo church, and subsequently the convent 
grounds, placing both, conditionally, in charge of 

II 



the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, 69-70; 
What the ladies propose to do to make the Alamo 
an appropriate, useful and grand memorial to the 
heroic defenders of the Alamo, 76-77, 96 ; The 
Alamo, though located in San Antonio, is the pride 
and the property of the whole State, 60. 

ALAMO, SURVIVORS OF THE FALL, 58. 

AMERICAN INVASIONS to conquer Texas and wrest 
it from Spanish and Mexican rule: Phil Nolan, 
Ellis Bean and others invade Texas, Nolan killed 
in skirmish, remainder captured and sent to Mex- 
ico, only Bean returns alive, 13; Magee's expedi- 
tion, 14; captures La Bahia, 14; Spanish forces 
attempt to retake it and fail, 14; Magees dies in 
La Bahia and Kempner succeeds to command, 14; 
marches on to Bexar and captures it, taking offi- 
cials prisoners of war, 15 ; These are murdered by 
trickery of a Spanish renegade officer, 15; Lead- 
ing Americans, disgusted with the outrage, retire 
and Perry elected as commander, 15; Spanish 
forces under General Elisondo, attacks invaders 
and is routed, 16 ; Toledo elected to succeed Perry 
amid dissatisfaction and disorganization, 16; 
Spanish army, under General Arredondo, attacks 
invaders, aided by Elisondo, and routs them with 
terrific slaughter, capturing Bexar, 16; Arredon- 
do's cruel rule, imprisons 300 men in one room on 
a hot night and many die of suffocation, imprisons 
500 of the leading ladies and compels them to 
make tortillas (a corn cake used as a substitute 
for bread by Mexican soldiers), 17; No mercy 
shown Americans and many are slaughtered, 17; 



Arredondo retires and is succeeded by more hu- 
mane men, 17; Dr. Long, and brother Dave, with 
friends, invade Texas, but both are killed, most 
of the others perish and the invasion failed, 18. 

ARREDONDO : Spanish general defeats American in- 
vaders, 16; His cruel rule of Bexar, 17. 

AUSTIN'S COLONY : Moses Austin comes to Bexar 
to seek permission to establish American colony in 
Bexar, which is only granted through the influ- 
ence of Baron Bastrop, 18 ; Returns to Natchez to 
arrange the colony and dies there, 19; His son, 
Stephen F. Austin, elected leader of the colony 
which settle in Texas and is welcomed and granted 
liberal terms, 19-20 ; Other colonies also settle, 20 ; 
The colonists' prosperity engenders Mexican hate 
and oppression, 21 ; Colonists hold convention and 
protest, but get no relief, 21 ; Santa Anna, espe- 
cially oppressive, and orders, practically, disarming 
of Texans, removing their protection from In- 
dians and means of gaining food, 22-23 ; Ugarta- 
chea, on Santa Anna's orders, send to Gonzales to 
demand its big guns, 23, 42; Men of Gonzales re- 
fuse, shots are exchanged and the Mexicans retire 
to Bexar, 24, 42 ; This is open rebellion and Texans 
organize for defense, 24, 42; Austin commands 
this section, Houston is elected commander-in- 
chief, Colonists march on the Bexar, capture La 
Bahia and defeat Mexicans at Mission de la 
Espado, 25 ; Colonists meet in convention and pro- 
test against Mexican tyranny, 25 ; The grass fight, 
in which Mexicans are defeated and retreat, 26; 
Gallant Ben Milam, aided by Colonel Johnson and 

IV 



300 Texans, makes a raid on Bexar, 27-43; En- 
counters Mexican forces and Milam is killed, 27, 
43; Col. Johnson continues the fight, the Mexican 
army surrenders and evacuated the city, 27-28, 43 ; 
Texans in triumphant posession of Texas. It was 
to avenge this and to re-capture Bexar that caused 
Santa Anna's attack on the Alamo, leading to his 
ultimate overthrow and independence of the state, 
39-61. 

BERCERA'S REPORT of the assault on the Alamo, 51. 

BEXAR : A contraction of the formal name San Fer- 
nando de Bexar, and which is now known as San 
Antonio. 

BEXAR : First established and made a military post 
and mission station (1689), 9; made a presidio 
with increased garrison (1730), 12; Captured by 
American invaders, 27-28; Recaptured by Mexi- 
cans under Arredondo, 16-17; Texans capture 
Bexar, 27-28, 44; Santa Anna recaptures it, 29; 
Becomes under Texas republic, 34; Invaded by 
Gen. Vasquez, who retired in two days, 35; Gen. 
Woll invades Bexar, is defeated by Texans and 
driven over the Rio Grande, 35. Since then it has 
not been molested. 

BONHAM : Returns from Goliad, where he sought re- 
inforcements in vain, 47 ; perishes in the Alamo, 
47; His portrait, 49. 

BOWIE : At the Mission battle, 53 ; Rose's story, 50 ; 
Found dead, 53; Senora Candalara's story of his 
killing, 54; His portrait, 49. 

BRINGHURST, MRS. NELLIE HOUSTON: Texan 
poetess and grand-daughter of Sam Houston. 



CANARY ISLANDS: Spanish colonists arrive from 
these islands and settle in the two leading plazas 
where the military forces were located, 12-13. 

CANDALARIA, SENORA: Her story of Bowie, 
54, 58. 

CHILD OF THE ALAMO: Daughter of Lieut, and 
Mrs. Dickenson, 58. 

COLONIES: Canary Islanders, 12-13; Of Moses and 
Stephen Austin, 18-20 ; Other colonies, 20. 

CONVENTIONS OF COLONISTS: To consider 
grievances, 21 ; To proclaim independence, but 
abided by a petition to redress wrongs, 25; To 
declare independence of the State and elect a pro- 
visional government, 29. It was at the last con- 
vention that Travis' appeal was read and the dele- 
gates proposed breaking the convention and going 
to Travis' relief, but Houston's wiser counsel pre- 
vailed. 

CROCKETT, DAVE : Santa Anna desires to find his 
body, 53 ; Where he died, 53 ; How he died, 54 ; His 
portrait, 49. 

Dx4lMIEN, FRA. : Franciscan priest in charge of the 
original Mission de la Espado (1689), 9. 

DAUGHTERS OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS: A 
State patriotic organization of ladies who are de- 
scendants from the Texan patriots and colonists, 
devoted to the promotion of patriotism and the 
preservation, protection and maintenance of me- 
morials and relics of the Texans' struggle for inde- 
pendence ; dedication of this volume to that honor- 
able body, 3; The heroic work of the De Zavala 
Chapter of San Antonio, Texas, to secure the pur- 

VI 



chase of the Alamo and convent grounds, aided by 
the energy of Miss Adina De Zavala, and the ad- 
mirable generosity of Miss Clara Driscoll, who 
secured the convent grounds for the State by her 
own private means, 93-95. The State purchases 
the Alamo and the convent grounds and places 
them in charge of the Daughters of the Republic 
of Texas, 69-70; What the ladies propose to do 
with their charge. 

DE LEON, GOVERNOR: Establishes the first mis- 
sion in Texas and names it San Francisco de Tejas 
(San Francis of Texas) . 

DE LA SALLE invades Texas for France, 9. 

DE ZAVALA, LEONARDO : The Texas colonists re- 
fuse to surrender this noble friend, as Santa Anna 
demands, 23. 

DE ZAVALA, MISS ADINA: Grand-daughter of 
Leonardo De Zavala and president of the De Za- 
vala Chapter, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, 
93-95. 

DE ZAVALA CHAPTER of the Daughters of the Re- 
public of Texas, named after Leonardo De Zavala, 
with headquarters in San Antonio, 93. 

DICKENSON, LIEUT. : His heroic leap from the Ala- 
mo the night before its fall, bearing his child with 
him. Both are killed by Mexican sentinels, 58. 

DRISCOLL, MISS CLARA (now Mrs. Clara Driscoll 
Sevier) , the talented Texan authoress, who ren- 
dered such valuable aid in securing the purchase 
of the Alamo convent grounds by the State, 93-95. 

ELISONDO : Spanish general attacks American in- 
vaders and is defeated, 15-16. 



ESPIJO discovers Texas and founds a mission at El 
Paso, 7. 

FANNIN : Takes part in the Mission battle, 83 ; com- 
mands the chief force of Goliad, 47 ; neglects Hous- 
ton's orders and he and his command is treacher- 
ously massacred at Goliad, 31. 

FIRST MISSION, 82-84 (see Missions). 

FOURTH MISSION, 86-87 (see Missions). 

FRANCE'S CLAIM to the discovery of Texas, 7 ; Cedes 
her Louisiana possessions to Spain, 11. 

FRENCH EXPEDITIONS to capture Texas: St. 
Denis, De La Harpe and Belisle, 10-11. 

GARRISONS placed by Spain at Bexar, La Bahia and 
Fort Adaces, 12. 

GOLIAD MASSACRE and its causes, 31, 59. 

GONZALES : 'The Lexington of Texas." First gun 
in the Texas revolution for independence fired, 23. 

GRASS FIGHT, 26, 43. 

HOUSTON, SAM: Commander-in-chief, afterwards 
President of the Texas Republic and Congressman, 
makes his public debut in convention, 26 ; in charge 
of military operations, 28; is elected commander 
in-chief, 28 ; Present when Travis' last appeal was 
read at the convention, prevents it breaking up and 
goes to relieve the Alamo, 30 ; The silence of Tra- 
vis' sunrise gun tells him the Alamo has fallen, 30 ; 
organizes colonists and prepares to meet Santa 
Anna, plays hide-and-seek with him and leads the 
Spaniards to Buffalo Bayou, 32 ; Engages the Mex- 
ican army and defeats it, 32-33 ; Santa Anna taken 
prisoner next day, 33; Generously protects Santa 
Anna and, after he has agreed to the. independence 

VIII 



of Texas and withdrawal of Mexican troops he 
releases him to return to his own country, 34; 
Houston has a grand-daughter residing in San An- 
tonio, Mrs. Nettie Houston Bringhurst. 

INDEPENDENCE OF TEXAS declared (March 2, 
1836), 29, and Texas after the San Jacinto battle 
becomes an independent Republic. 

LONG'S INVASION of Texas and its fate, 18. 

MEXICAN ATTEMPTS TO RECONQUER BEXAR 
after Texan independence: By General Vasquez, 
35 ; By General Woll, 35. 

MILAM, BEN : Raid on Bexar, his death and conquest 
of Bexar, 28-29, 43-44 ; Grave, 93 ; His portrait, 49. 

MISSION AT EL PASO, founded by Espijo, 7. 

MISSION DE LA SAN FRANCIS DE TEJAS (St. 
Francis of Texas), founded by Spanish governor, 
De Leon and Era. Damien placed in charge, 9; 
Don Teran changes the name to San Francisco de 
la Espado (St. Francis of the Sword), neglected 
and abandoned some time after, 9. 

MISSIONS, VARIOUS: Established at Bexar, La 
Bahia, Nacogdoches and Victoria, 10 ; Mission Con- 
ception, battle of, 25, 43. 

MISSION, FIRST : Location, title, derivation, date of 
foundation, description, 82 ; Supposed to be of the 
same design of the original Alamo. 

MISSION, SECOND: Location, title, derivation and 
foundation. The grandest of all Missions. Huica, 
the celebrated Spanish sculptor, sent here by the 
King of Spain, worked there, 84. 

MISSION, THIRD: Location, special style, deriva- 

IX 



tion, date of foundation and description, 85. Now 
almost a ruin. 

MISSION, FOURTH : Location, official style, derivation 
and description, site of the first mission in Texas 
(1689), in modern use, 86. 

NASSONITES: Mexican Indians driven out of Mex- 
ico by Aztecs, in Bexar when it was discovered, 9. 

NOLAN'S ill-fated expedition, 13. 

PINDA'S visit to Galveston, 7. 

ROAD from San Antonio to Presidio laid out by St. 
Denis, 10. 

RUIZ, Alcalde (Maj^or), report on the fall of the Ala- 
mo, made same day, 52-54. 

SANTA ANNA, Mexican general and president. Char- 
acter, 44-45 ; Advances on San Antonio and be- 
sieges it, demands surrender and gets Travis' 
memorable reply, 46; Flys the red flag (no quar- 
ter) and bombards the Alamo for 14 days, 46-50; 
assaults the Alamo and carries it by superior num- 
bers and equipments, heroic defense of the garri- 
son, all male combatants butchered, 51-52; How 
the dead heroes were found, 53 ; How Bonham and 
Evans died, 55; The bodies of the Texas heroes 
burned to ashes in one great holocaust by Santa 
Anna's orders, 53-54; Where the ashes were 
burned, 55-57 ; List of females and non-combatants 
released from the Alamo, 58 ; Pursues Houston to 
exterminate him and the Texas army, 59 ; The de- 
cisive battle of San Jacinto, Mexicans routed, slain 
and he is arrested next day, 59-60; He agrees to 
recognize the independence of Texas and withdraw 
all remaining troops, 34-59. Returns to Mexico. 



SAN FERNANDO CATHEDRAL (illustration) : Lo- 
cation and foundation, 88; Santa Anna uses roof 
to bombard the Alamo, 88 ; View of the old church, 
80; new church and cathedral erected, 88; im- 
proved and completed somewhat after original 
plans, 81; Famous old pulpit from Mission San 
Jose in this church, 89. 

SAN FERNANDO CEMETERY: Originally sur- 
rounded the old church, Main Plaza, removed to 
new cemetery, where Milam Square now is, and 
thence to the Alazan creek, where it is now located. 

SAN ANTONIO, originally founded in 1689, 9 ; but its 
new birth and progress dates from early in the 
eighteenth century, 12. 

SPAIN'S DISCOVERY OF TEXAS, 7; drives out 
French invaders La Salle, 9 ; Denis, La Harpe and 
Belisle, 10-11; cedes Louisiana to France, 11; Who 
disposes of it to the United States, 11. As France 
previously ceded Louisiana and Texas to Spain the 
question is whether Texas was not American terri- 
tory before it came into the Union, 11. 

3EC0ND MISSION, 84-85 (see Missions). 

SPANISH GOVERNOR : Don De Leon and Don Ter- 
an's visit to Bexar, 9 ; and establishment of colony 
and mission. 

SURVIVORS OF THE FALL OF THE ALAMO, 58. 
EJAS: The original nam.e of Texas, meaning in 
Nassonite language 'Taradise," or a hearty wel- 
come, 9; Discovered by Spain, 7, and later by 
France, 8; Becomes an independent Republic 
(1836), 35-60; joins the union (1845), 35; Secedes 
(March 4, 1861) and joins the Confederacy and 



re-enters the Union (July, 1865), 35. Status of 
Texas, 35-36. 

THIRD MISSION, 85 (see Missions). 

TEAVIS: In joint command of Bexar's forces, 75; 
Retreats to the Alamo on Santa Anna's arrival and 
makes the mistake of ignoring Houston's instruc- 
tions, 45; Sends in vain to Goliad and the provi- 
sional government for aid. ''I shall never surren- 
der or retreat," 46 ; His last pathetic appeal to the 
provisional government, 47-48 ; The sunrise signal 
gun, 49; Travis' proposal to surrender most im- 
probable, 49; Rose's fine story an imitatory fake, 
50 ; The fall of the Alamo, 51 ; How Travis died, 
53; His portrait, 49. 

UGARTACHEA, Mexican commander of Bexar, pre- 
cipitates Texas revolution by demanding the can- 
non of Gonzales and the first shot is fired, 33. 

ZAVALA (see De Zavalla) . 

SPECIAL NOTICE— NOTE: 

For further information on the Alamo, Missions 
and San Antonio the reader is referred to the Visitors' 
Guide, by the same author and publisher. It is care- 
fully compiled and sold by all news agents and curiosity 
dealers for 25 cents. 



XII 



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